Los Angeles, CA (February 12, 2025) — Over the past month, multiple devastating fires have threatened life and property across Los Angeles. The Hollywood Hills fire was swiftly contained, and the Hurst Fire in Sylmar saw limited damage but threatened lives and livestock. The Pacific Palisades fire was catastrophic—destroying thousands of homes, claiming 12 lives, and permanently displacing thousands of residents. In total, over 250,000 people were forced to evacuate. These tragic events have made one thing clear: Los Angeles must strengthen its ability to meet the significant challenges in handling large-scale urban wildfires.
Despite these frightening conditions, the City Council today failed to act with urgency by voting against expediting an analysis of a dedicated fire safety bond measure. Instead, it chose to postpone critical action. This is deeply disappointing and a disservice to every Angeleno who depends on LAFD’s ability to respond in an emergency.
There is no debate—Los Angeles is critically below national standards for fire safety resources. Our fire stations are decades overdue for modernization, and our first responders are stretched to the limit without the personnel, equipment, or facilities needed to protect our growing city. The decision today further delays substantive action on one of the most pressing public safety challenges we face.
Long-term recovery depends on strong investment in LAFD’s aging infrastructure. We must prioritize this bond initiative with the same urgency as all other recovery efforts. Further delays only put lives and communities at risk– we cannot afford to wait. Now is the time to lead, by planning and building a safer, more resilient Los Angeles for future generations.
We remain committed to ensuring that Los Angeles does not continue to defer critical investments in fire safety. We will continue to push forward a necessary plan to ensure LAFD has the modern resources, fire stations, and personnel needed to meet the growing demands of our city.
The safety of our residents must come first. We cannot afford to wait.
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About Councilwoman Rodriguez
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez serves as the City’s Chair of the Public Safety Committee and represents the 7th Council District in the Northeast San Fernando Valley which includes the neighborhoods of Sylmar, Mission Hills, Pacoima, Lake View Terrace, Sunland, Tujunga, North Hills, Shadow Hills, and La Tuna Canyon. For more information, visit: https://monicarodriguez.org. Website || Instagram || Facebook