L.A. was ‘Very Prepared’ for the Wildfires Says FEMA’s Deanne Criswell [WATCH]

Over the past six days, wildfires have swept across southern California, leaving behind destruction and tragedy.

The fires, driven by extreme wind conditions, have devastated communities with at least 16 dead and prompted criticism of local and state authorities’ preparedness and response.

Death toll in California wildfires rises to 16…

Tragically, that number could rise. pic.twitter.com/NCIsVedNJf

— RVM News (@redvoicenews) January 12, 2025

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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom have faced significant scrutiny for their handling of the crisis.

Meanwhile, federal agencies have stepped in to assist. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has been actively coordinating efforts and appeared on CBS News’ Face the Nation on Sunday to address the situation.

Criswell discussed the challenges of combating the fires and the federal government’s role in recovery efforts.

During her interview with Margaret Brennan, Criswell defended the readiness of local authorities, despite reports of significant failures in the response. Brennan questioned why the region seemed unprepared given its history with wildfires:

“Los Angeles, in the area, they got a lot of experience with wildfires. They have a lot of regulation and a large firefighting force. Do you have a sense at this point why the area was so unprepared?”

Criswell responded: “I think that they were very prepared. This is something that they are very used to, they fight fires all the time. But they have never seen 100 mile an hour winds that are fueling the fire, and those winds and that weather condition is what really impacts, you know, where this fire is going to go, but more importantly, how they’re able to try to contain it in those first few hours and days. And because it was in such a populated area, it just makes it that much more challenging to be able to get in there and secure the perimeter, but as well, try to save as many homes as possible.”

L.A. was ‘Very Prepared’ for the Wildfires: FEMA’s Deanne Criswell…

Over the past six days, wildfires have swept across southern California, leaving behind destruction and tragedy.

The fires, driven by extreme wind conditions, have devastated communities and prompted… pic.twitter.com/jq7gNGuaKM

— RVM News (@redvoicenews) January 12, 2025

Criswell’s comments came amid reports of critical failures during the wildfire response.

These include water shortages in hydrants, lack of traffic control to aid evacuations, conflicting evacuation messages, and the depletion of a key reservoir.

Criticism of local and state officials has mounted as residents question their preparedness for such a crisis.

While Criswell highlighted the unprecedented nature of 100 mph winds fueling the fires, many observers argue that California has a long history with wildfires and should have been better equipped to handle the disaster.

The Santa Ana winds, which exacerbate wildfire conditions, have been a known factor for centuries. Southern California’s dense population and wildfire-prone landscapes are also well-documented challenges.

Critics have pointed out that these factors should have been accounted for in emergency planning and response strategies.

In addition to logistical failures, officials have faced backlash for inconsistent communication and deflecting blame.

Many residents remain frustrated by what they perceive as a lack of accountability from local and state leaders.

CA Mama Bear Who Confronted Newsom Speaks Out, Calls Him an Irrelevant Liar…

A viral confrontation between a California woman and Governor Gavin Newsom has highlighted frustrations over the state’s handling of the devastating wildfires currently raging across Los Angeles… pic.twitter.com/81TsNFaopA

— RVM News (@redvoicenews) January 11, 2025

The federal government has pledged support for California’s recovery efforts. FEMA’s involvement includes funding for affected communities and assistance in investigating the origins of the fires.

Criswell’s appearance on Face the Nation underscored FEMA’s commitment to aiding state and local authorities during and after the crisis.

However, federal support has not shielded state and local officials from criticism.

The apparent lack of coordination and preparedness has left many Californians questioning the leadership of Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass.

As the fires continue to burn, the focus remains on containment efforts and supporting affected communities.

However, the disaster has also reignited debates about California’s wildfire preparedness and the accountability of its leaders.

With the recovery effort just beginning, the actions—or inactions—of those in charge will likely remain under intense scrutiny.

Whether the lessons from this tragedy lead to meaningful changes remains to be seen.

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