Los Angeles — Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez introduced legislation instructing City departments to report back on a strategy to proactively mitigate the potential hazards created by the recent La Tuna Fire and protect the surrounding neighborhoods from future risks leading up to the wet seasons.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 8, 2017
Press Contact: Tran Le tran.le@lacity.org213-257-0475
COUNCILWOMAN MONICA RODRIGUEZ CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION TO SAFEGUARD HILLSIDES IN LA TUNA FIRE AFTERMATH
Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez introduced legislation instructing City departments to report back on a strategy to proactively mitigate the potential hazards created by the recent La Tuna Fire and protect the surrounding neighborhoods from future risks leading up to the wet seasons.
On Friday, September 1, 2017, a wildfire erupted in La Tuna Canyon. As a result of erratic winds and high temperatures, the fire quickly grew and burned nearly 8,000 acres and destroyed five homes. At the peak of the fire, more than 700 residents were evacuated throughout the area. The La Tuna Fire is the largest wildfire to break out in the City of Los Angeles in over 50 years. The fire was largely contained through the coordinated efforts of over 1000 firefighters from across the State.
“The progress made over the weekend was an incredible display of leadership and unified effort from the Los Angeles Fire Department and its partners throughout the State,” said Councilwoman Rodriguez. “Given the historic scale and wreckage of the fire to the hillsides, the City needs to examine best strategies to protect our neighborhoods from potential landslides and flooding in the fire’s aftermath.”
Councilwoman Rodriguez’s motion instructs City departments to examine the course of events during the fire, including damage to critical infrastructure and fire-related risks in its aftermath. Additionally, the Councilwoman’s motion calls on City departments to identify best practices to prepare residents to deal with large-scale emergencies moving forward, especially with respect to the evacuation of motorists, residents, and animals.
Read Councilwoman Rodriguez’s motion, here.
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Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez represents the 7th Council District in the Northeast San Fernando Valley which include the neighborhoods of Sylmar, Mission Hills, Pacoima, Lake View Terrace, Sunland, Tujunga, North Hills, Shadow Hills, and La Tuna Canyon.