Cause Of Woolsey Fire Under Review By LA County Board

MALIBU, CA – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will conduct a comprehensive review of the Woolsey Fire, including its cause, how firefighting resources were deployed and the effectiveness of emergency alerts during and in the wake of the massive blaze, the board voted Tuesday.

Supervisor Sheila Kuehl recommended the assessment, as she represents the Third District that includes Malibu and other fire-damaged communities.

"In the last few days, I've met with a great many residents who were affected by the fire," Kuehl said. "It's clear that a comprehensive review of the county's response and recovery procedures will be valuable to ensure that we are increasingly better prepared for the heightened fire risk we now face, as well as to answer questions raised by my constituents."

The 96,949-acre fire broke out Nov. 8 in Ventura County and quickly spread into Los Angeles County, killed three people, injured three firefighters, destroyed 1,643 structures and damaged 364 others. The Woolsey fire was declared 100 percent contained Nov. 21.

A working group will be assembled with representatives from all agencies involved, including from Ventura County and Cal Fire, as well as participants from affected cities and unincorporated communities.

An outside consultant will also be hired for the review.

"The county needs to review existing prevention regulations and emergency notification systems, and look to lessons learned and what we can do better moving forward" to prepare for a "new normal" in wildfires, according to Kuehl's motion.

In a related vote, the board also temporarily prohibited the use of leaf blowers within the burn area.

Kuehl said some residents at recovery forums said not everyone was complying with a public health recommendation against the use of leaf blowers to clean up fire ash.

"If blown into the air, fire ash can cause serious respiratory problems," Kuehl said.

At Kuehl's recommendation, the board also adopted an ordinance allowing displaced residents to live in recreational vehicles on fire-destroyed sites for up to one year, subject to minimum standards for electrical, water and sewage connections.

Deadlines for emergency aid and debris removal have been extended. Woolsey Fire victims have until March to file Eligibility for Federal Disaster Unemployment Insurance. The new filing deadline for a signed Right of Entry form required for free debris removal is Jan. 28.

City News Service contributed to this post; Photo: MALIBU, CA - NOVEMBER 09: Wind-driven flames move across Malibu Creek State Park during the Woolsey Fire on November 9, 2018 near Malibu, California. After a experiencing a mass shooting, residents of Thousand Oaks are threatened by the ignition of two nearby dangerous wildfires, including the Woolsey Fire which has reached the Pacific Coast at Malibu. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)