To the editor: Lower than a 12 months in the past, in February 2024, Texas suffered its worst wildfire in state historical past on account of unusually dry and windy situations. Greater than 1 million acres burned. (“Trump shoots his mouth off as L.A. burns. His claims about fire hydrants don’t hold water,” column, Jan. 10, and “They’re using the fires as a political piñata. Please stop,” column, Jan. 10)
Right here’s what President Biden stated on the time: “When disasters strike, there’s no crimson states or blue states the place I come from. Simply communities and households in search of assist. So we’re standing with everybody affected by these wildfires and we’re going to proceed that will help you reply and get well.”
No nasty social media posts blaming officers within the different celebration. No identify calling. No armchair quarterbacking. No misinformation. No threats of restricted federal help. Merely phrases — and actions — of assist.
Susan Goulding, Seal Seaside
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To the editor: The Palisades and Eaton fires are the identical sort of wind-driven firestorms because the Tubbs fireplace in Sonoma and Napa counties in October 2018.
Then, it took 5 hours for the hearth to journey about 10 miles from Calistoga to Santa Rosa. It was evident that there was no stopping a hearth blowing embers the dimensions of dinner plates till the wind stopped and the flames grew to become manageable.
The 2018 fireplace in Paradise, Calif., and the August 2023 fireplace in Maui are additionally examples of firestorms that include robust wind, dry vegetation and drought.
If something is in charge, it’s local weather change. And but the climate-denying president-elect would slightly blame California politicians and keep away from the science of climate and fireplace. Along with his pondering, I suppose we may quickly be blaming him for not stopping a hurricane or twister earlier than it did any harm.
Prevention? Don’t construct within the path of traditionally fire-prone areas, and take red-flag warnings severely.
Gregory Kestel, Valley Springs, Calif.
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To the editor: Because of columnists Steve Lopez and George Skelton for articulating what I’ve been pondering for the reason that starting of this conflagration.
Jobs are troublesome sufficient for Los Angeles political and departmental leaders throughout disasters of this magnitude with out their bitter political rivals taking part in the blame sport. (Tip: That is very unattractive and received’t win you votes.)
Once we are out of instant hazard, there can be time sufficient to evaluate, be taught the info, mirror and, if crucial, assign blame. However proper now, these critics ought to be asking, “How can I assist?” (Tip: This can win you votes.)
Paula Waxman, Los Angeles
