LA County Supervisors Call for Independent Review of Emergency Alert Systems Following Devastating Wildfires

Devin Peries stands on the grounds where his house once stood (Photo – Rick Miller)

In response to this month’s devastating Eaton and Palisades wildfires, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger, along with Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, introduced a motion on Tuesday, January 21, calling for an independent after-action review of the County’s emergency notification systems used to alert residents of evacuation orders.

By News Desk

The motion seeks to assess the County’s emergency evacuation policies and the notification systems employed during the Eaton and Palisades Fires, which tragically resulted in 27 deaths and the destruction of over 15,000 structures.

Chair Kathryn Barger emphasized the importance of reviewing the response efforts, stating, “The January 2025 fires, fueled by severe windstorms, mark one of the most destructive disasters in Los Angeles County’s history. While I deeply appreciate the heroic efforts of our first responders, we owe it to our communities to assess and review our emergency notification systems. Our Board is committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in the face of increasingly severe natural disasters. This independent assessment will also ensure we are better prepared for future disasters and can act swiftly to protect lives and property.”

Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath added, “Chair Barger and I stand united in calling for a comprehensive after-action report on the response to this month’s devastating wildfires. Our communities affected by the Palisades, Eaton, and all other fires deserve a transparent and full accounting of everything that occurred. Los Angeles County is committed to understanding every aspect of these events to ensure we are continually improving our emergency management practices and better protecting our residents.”

The motion, which will be voted upon by the Board of Supervisors at its meeting next Tuesday, directs County Counsel, in consultation with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department, and Office of Emergency Management, to hire an independent consultant to conduct a thorough review of the evacuation policies and emergency alert systems used during the disaster.

The consultant will provide a progress report to the Board within 90 days and will deliver subsequent updates every 90 days until the review is completed.