On Woodbury, Jan. 8, 2025 (File Photo – Melissa Michelson)
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger recently issued a statement following the announcement that the McChrystal Group, an independent contractor, has been selected to review the County’s evacuation policies and emergency alert notification systems in response to last month’s devastating firestorms.
By News Desk
The review, which follows the tragic Eaton and Palisades Fires that claimed the lives of at least 29 County residents, aims to strengthen the County’s disaster response. Chair Barger emphasized the need for accountability and a thorough analysis, stating, “Ensuring accountability and being analytical about our County’s emergency notification work are both critical to strengthening our disaster response. This is an essential step toward improving transparency.”
The McChrystal Group, led by retired four-star General Stanley McChrystal, is renowned for its expertise in disaster response. General McChrystal, who previously commanded the U.S. military’s Joint Special Operations Command, is currently overseeing a similar review of North Carolina’s response to hurricanes.
Authorized by the Board of Supervisors on January 28, 2025, the review will assess the County’s handling of the firestorms and identify areas for improvement to prevent future loss of life and property. The process will include validating call histories, interviewing first responders, reviewing 911 records, and gathering input from the community to understand the factors that contributed to the tragic deaths.
Barger expressed her eagerness to review the results of the McChrystal Group’s thorough and objective assessment, which is expected to be completed within 90 days.
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