Los Angeles residents are reeling from the aftermath of raging wildfires that have claimed at least 11 lives, destroyed over 10,000 buildings, and forced more than 100,000 people to evacuate.
In Altadena, one of the hardest-hit suburbs, residents expressed anger at the delayed response from emergency services.
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“We were left on our own, throwing buckets of water to protect our homes while firefighters prioritized the wealthy areas,” said Nicholas Norman, a local teacher whose home was reduced to ashes.
In the upscale Pacific Palisades, where the fire first struck, similar sentiments echoed.
Nicole Perri, a 32-year-old stylist, lost her lavish home despite the presence of firefighters.
“The hydrants ran dry when we needed them the most. This is a failure of our city, our mayor, and our state,” Perri said.
The ongoing disaster has left residents across socioeconomic lines united in their frustration at the perceived lack of preparation.
Mayor Karen Bass has come under intense criticism for being abroad in Ghana when the fires began, despite prior warnings of high winds and dry conditions.
Additionally, budget cuts to the fire department and faulty evacuation alerts have further inflamed public resentment.
Retired lawyer James Brown described the situation as “a war zone,” calling for a thorough review of the city’s emergency response systems.
Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Bass have announced investigations into the state’s disaster preparedness, but critics argue it’s too little, too late.
As anger brews, some survivors are urging leaders to focus on relief efforts for displaced families before playing the blame game.
“People are homeless and heartbroken. Let’s help them rebuild first, then address who failed us,” said Ross Ramsey, who is working to clear debris from his mother’s home.