Palisades Fire Containment Efforts Underway

Firefighters are currently battling the Palisades Fire, which has burned 23,713 acres and is only 22% contained as of January 16. While repopulation efforts are a priority, evacuees are still unable to return home, and search-and-rescue missions are ongoing. LA City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley emphasized the importance of community preparedness, as embers from the fire can threaten homes located over a mile away. Meanwhile, state records reveal that since 2021, Cal Fire has declined to fund over $3.8 million in wildfire prevention grants for communities impacted by the fire, instead favoring funding for projects in areas deemed at lower risk. This has raised concerns among local organizations as the recent fire has devastated neighborhoods in the Santa Monica Mountains. Cal Fire defended its decisions, stating that many grant applications were seen as redundant or overpriced.