LIVE THREAD>>> California Wild Fires

[rangerrebew]

FEMA Official Suggests Link Between Climate Change and LA Fires
Story by Kevin Scott • 18h
 
Knewz.com is reporting that FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stressed the link between climate change and the severity of the wildfires surrounding Los Angeles, California. She added the nation must prepare for climate realities and rebuild communities in order to be more resilient. The National Weather Service has warned of a "particularly dangerous situation" with Santa Ana winds reaching up to 75 mph.

In this photo gallery, we assess Criswell's claims, as well as the result of the fires.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/fema-official-suggests-link-between-climate-change-and-la-fires/ss-AA1xqTl8?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=HCTS&cvid=7a2ad3b1ade6410a8eb35b2600de5219&ei=54

[rangerrebew]

I've seen quite a few people say the same thing.  Unfortunately, they are members of the MSM and politicians, not scientists.    I wonder why the difference?

[mountaineer]

Wall Street Apes
@WallStreetApes
California Pacific Palisades fires property update

This is mind blowing: Experts say it'll take between 20-40 years to rebuild Los Angeles — It's because of their regulations. In LA you need not only a building permit, but a

- Grading permit
- Foundation permit
- Electrical permit
- Plumbing permit
- Mechanical permit
- A demolition permit
- An encroachment permit
- The fire department needs to give you a permit
- If you have a septic tank, you need a permit for that
- You need a water and sewer connection permit
- You have to have an energy compliance permit
- An environmental permit
- Zoning permits
- Of course, if you remove any trees, you're gonna need a tree removal permit
- If you put solar panels, you need a solar panel permit
- You need any kind of specialty permits for swimming pools or retaining walls

and of course, you're gonna need your certificate of occupancy”

This is absolutely INSANE. Are we sure this is still the ‘Land of the Free?’
1:18 AM · Jan 19, 2025

[DB]

Wall Street Apes
@WallStreetApes
California Pacific Palisades fires property update

This is mind blowing: Experts say it'll take between 20-40 years to rebuild Los Angeles — It's because of their regulations. In LA you need not only a building permit, but a

- Grading permit
- Foundation permit
- Electrical permit
- Plumbing permit
- Mechanical permit
- A demolition permit
- An encroachment permit
- The fire department needs to give you a permit
- If you have a septic tank, you need a permit for that
- You need a water and sewer connection permit
- You have to have an energy compliance permit
- An environmental permit
- Zoning permits
- Of course, if you remove any trees, you're gonna need a tree removal permit
- If you put solar panels, you need a solar panel permit
- You need any kind of specialty permits for swimming pools or retaining walls

and of course, you're gonna need your certificate of occupancy”

This is absolutely INSANE. Are we sure this is still the ‘Land of the Free?’
1:18 AM · Jan 19, 2025

That's "normal" in California. Everything will also have to meet current code and likely require fire sprinklers. If the fire department doesn't like how far away a fire hydrant is, they'll require you to install a new one closer even if it isn't on your property. There's also rules on how much clear sight, typically 200', there is of your driveway from the road going either direction. Been there done that...

[IsailedawayfromFR]

Excerpt:
Los Angeles is grappling with one of the costliest natural disasters in American history as fires continue to rage across the county. Yet, beneath the flames lies a tale of bureaucratic mismanagement, budget cuts, and misplaced priorities that whistleblowers from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) claim have exacerbated the crisis.



These fires are likely to be the costliest natural disaster in American history.

And here's what really happened!


https://defiantamerica.com/lafd-whistleblowers-expose-mismanagement-how-las-fires-became-uncontrollable/

Perhaps the new FBI under Patel should look closely at major real estate transactions in the blaze area over the past year or so to investigate where there was a pattern developed?

[IsailedawayfromFR]

The Ridiculous Reason California Won't Use Sea Water to Put Out Fires

 By C. Douglas Golden
 January 18, 2025

Quiñones said the blazes “pushed the system to the extreme,” and she urged residents to conserve “because the fire department needs the water to fight fires and we’re fighting a wildfire with urban water systems, and that is really challenging.”

OK, but if you’ve looked at a map recently, you may have noticed that the Palisades fire is right by the Pacific Ocean. Why not use saltwater?

There is a reason — but it’s not a terribly good one under the circumstances.

At the end of the day, would you prefer to at least have a standing home, even if your yard didn’t grow well for a year or two?
Yes No
Enter your email
 
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge via email. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
“Firefighters spray blazes with water because it wets and cools down materials that are burning or could catch fire. In that regard, saltwater and fresh water are basically the same,” said Michael Gollner, a University of California, Berkeley, fire scientist, the Journal reported on Sunday. “However, when seawater is dumped in an area, it can raise the accumulated salt content of the soil once it evaporates, a process known as salinization.”

“Too much salt in the soil inhibits plant growth by making it challenging for the roots to absorb water, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Salinization also affects how easily nutrients move through the soil, diminishing the overall fertility of an area. Additionally, salt can be toxic to species that are less salt tolerant, such as some boxwood and dogwood trees.”

“If you add salt to the soil, you’re not going to be able to grow anything there the next year,” said Tim Chavez, a former assistant chief for Cal Fire. “We try to avoid it, because saltwater is a soil sterilizer.”
https://www.westernjournal.com/ridiculous-reason-california-wont-use-sea-water-put-fires/

[Timber Rattler]

Never mind the fact that Los Angeles was built in a desert.

[mystery-ak]

 California wildfires break out overnight in San Diego County, prompting officials to issue evacuation orders
By Julian Atienza, FOX Weather   
Published Jan. 21, 2025, 8:34 a.m. ET

Three wildfires broke out in quick succession overnight and into early Tuesday in northern San Diego County, California.

That comes amid another round of Santa Ana winds, which prompted Extreme Fire Weather Warnings on Monday.

The Lilac Fire ignited in the Bonsall-Escondido area of northern San Diego County and prompted local officials to issue evacuation orders for those south of Pala Mesa and west of Interstate 15.

The fire started just before 1:30 a.m. local time. Officials say buildings are being threatened by the flames.

The Lilac Fire is 30 acres with a moderate rate of spread, according to CAL FIRE.

A few miles north, the Pala Fire broke out an hour after the Lilac Fire. It’s burning west of I-15 in Pala Mesa.

Evacuation orders have been issued, and buildings are being threatened.

The Pala Fire is also approximately 30 acres.

CAL FIRE reports no containment on either fire.

A third fire broke out in Fallbrook and has been designated as the Riverview Fire.

more
https://nypost.com/2025/01/21/us-news/wildfires-break-out-in-san-diego-county-with-evacuations-underway-buildings-threatened/

[mountaineer]

Fires "breaking out" - or being set?

[MeganC]

Wall Street Apes
@WallStreetApes
California Pacific Palisades fires property update

This is mind blowing: Experts say it'll take between 20-40 years to rebuild Los Angeles — It's because of their regulations. In LA you need not only a building permit, but a

- Grading permit
- Foundation permit
- Electrical permit
- Plumbing permit
- Mechanical permit
- A demolition permit
- An encroachment permit
- The fire department needs to give you a permit
- If you have a septic tank, you need a permit for that
- You need a water and sewer connection permit
- You have to have an energy compliance permit
- An environmental permit
- Zoning permits
- Of course, if you remove any trees, you're gonna need a tree removal permit
- If you put solar panels, you need a solar panel permit
- You need any kind of specialty permits for swimming pools or retaining walls

and of course, you're gonna need your certificate of occupancy”

This is absolutely INSANE. Are we sure this is still the ‘Land of the Free?’
1:18 AM · Jan 19, 2025

Freedom requires a permit too.

[verga]

State Farm makes major insurance policy U-turn after devastating LA fires... but it will not benefit everyone
   

When will they drop the "Like a good neighbor{ crap?

[libertybele]

The Ridiculous Reason California Won't Use Sea Water to Put Out Fires

 By C. Douglas Golden
 January 18, 2025

Quiñones said the blazes “pushed the system to the extreme,” and she urged residents to conserve “because the fire department needs the water to fight fires and we’re fighting a wildfire with urban water systems, and that is really challenging.”

OK, but if you’ve looked at a map recently, you may have noticed that the Palisades fire is right by the Pacific Ocean. Why not use saltwater?

There is a reason — but it’s not a terribly good one under the circumstances.

At the end of the day, would you prefer to at least have a standing home, even if your yard didn’t grow well for a year or two?
Yes No
Enter your email
 
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge via email. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
“Firefighters spray blazes with water because it wets and cools down materials that are burning or could catch fire. In that regard, saltwater and fresh water are basically the same,” said Michael Gollner, a University of California, Berkeley, fire scientist, the Journal reported on Sunday. “However, when seawater is dumped in an area, it can raise the accumulated salt content of the soil once it evaporates, a process known as salinization.”

“Too much salt in the soil inhibits plant growth by making it challenging for the roots to absorb water, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Salinization also affects how easily nutrients move through the soil, diminishing the overall fertility of an area. Additionally, salt can be toxic to species that are less salt tolerant, such as some boxwood and dogwood trees.”

“If you add salt to the soil, you’re not going to be able to grow anything there the next year,” said Tim Chavez, a former assistant chief for Cal Fire. “We try to avoid it, because saltwater is a soil sterilizer.”
https://www.westernjournal.com/ridiculous-reason-california-wont-use-sea-water-put-fires/

I think I'd rather have no greenery and save my house.  Lawns, bushes, trees, etc., would eventually grow when planted along with some good top soil.  For that matter, the area is prone to fires, so how about rocks or pebbles for lawns? No need for watering either.

[mountaineer]

I think I'd rather have no greenery and save my house.  Lawns, bushes, trees, etc., would eventually grow when planted along with some good top soil.  For that matter, the area is prone to fires, so how about rocks or pebbles for lawns? No need for watering either.

Of course. But you're exhibiting common sense, which is sorely lacking in California, apparently.

[Smokin Joe]

When will they drop the "Like a good neighbor{ crap?

I have no complaints about them or their coverage. In the 36 years I have lived here (same house), we had a fire that gutted one floor (the house was saved) and State Farm did right by us. I expected an serious increase in premiums, but they only went up by $25 the next year. Since then, we had a hailstorm with tennis ball sized hail, and the roof(s) were replaced and brought up to code (as were the electricals after the fire) on this 100+ year old house, and the coverage remains reasonable.

In California, it may be different.
Here, Fire Dept response time was under 5 minutes, fire out in 15.
There, good luck getting apparatus to the scene in that time, and we always have water in our hydrants, even in winter.

[PeteS in CA]

Am I misunderstanding something? Or is it news that seawater has been used for the Palisades fire?

[Wingnut]

Am I misunderstanding something? Or is it news that seawater has been used for the Palisades fire?

I know I saw the "Super Scooper" planes picking up sea water and dropping it on the fires last week for sure. 

[berdie]

Am I misunderstanding something? Or is it news that seawater has been used for the Palisades fire?

When I went to Cali a number of years ago, we drove by planted fields that appeared to extend almost to the ocean (or so it seemed from the highway). Even if not touched by the water...the spray should have damaged them. It sure didn't seem to be the case. They were beautiful. It would seem to me that the salt in ocean water would be pretty well watered down. If my house is on fire...I'd give it a try and the devil take the hindmost.

[berdie]

When will they drop the "Like a good neighbor{ crap?

I must respectfully disagree. Just like any other business, they are around to make money. From what I've read The Cali regulations tied their hands so they were pulling out of the state.

I've been with State Farm for years and had no real problems. With the exception of my premium escalating this year. But we've (the state)  had lots of losses the last couple of years statewide so it was expected. Plus the cost of repair/rebuilding has become astronomical. I can't ever begin to imagine the cost to rebuild in California.

[mystery-ak]

Fast-moving Hughes Fire breaks out in Los Angeles County as California officials order evacuations
The Hughes Fire is burning near Interstate 5 in Castaic
 By Andrea Margolis Fox News
Published January 22, 2025 3:30pm EST

A wildfire recently erupted in Los Angeles County on Wednesday, prompting evacuation orders from California officials.

The Hughes Fire, which was first reported on Wednesday morning, is located in the unincorporated community of Castaic in northwestern Los Angeles County. As of noon local time, the fire was 0% contained and had burned over 3,400 acres.

Aerials show smoke billowing near Castaic Lake, a reservoir in the Sierra Pelona Mountains.

The new fire comes amid a deadly wildfire season in the Golden State, as firefighters have battled destructive Southern California blazes for weeks.

The Pacific Palisades fire, which began on Jan. 7, is still burning and has claimed at least 11 lives and over 6,500 structures.

According to Cal Fire, residents in four regions near the Hughes Fire are urged to leave immediately. This includes the vicinity of Castaic Lake, Paradise Ranch and the Ridge Route.

"Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW," the alert reads. "The area is lawfully closed to public access."

more
https://www.foxnews.com/us/fast-moving-hughes-fire-breaks-los-angeles-county-california-officials-order-evacuations

[PeteS in CA]

Lake Castaic is between the Hughes fire and Interstate 5. It's in a more or less unpopulated area, with poor or worse road access.

[mystery-ak]

Report: Trump Eyes Monday to Give ‘Federal Regulatory Relief’ to L.A.

Nick Gilbertson 25 Jan 2025
2:31

President Donald Trump reportedly plans to lift federal regulations on Monday to expedite the rebuilding of Los Angeles County, which has been ravaged by wildfires.

Axios co-founder Mike Allen reported of Trump’s potential timeline Saturday morning, just hours after the president vowed to waive federal permitting requirements for the rebuild.

“After touring war-zone-like wildfire devastation Friday, President Trump plans to act as soon as Monday to bring federal regulatory relief to help Angelenos clean up and rebuild,” Allen wrote.

Trump will reportedly rely on his decades of building, development, and regulation expertise to expedite the rebuild of Los Angeles County,

“Trump is drawing on expertise about the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Commission, which’ll play a massive role in residents’ ability to rebuild,” Allen wrote, citing one source.

During a Friday night roundtable in Los Angeles County, Trump focused on CEQA and the Coastal Commission.

When told at the round table that CEQA can add years to permitting applications, Trump replied, “Can’t do it.”

“We’re going to have to override the Coastal Commission because I’ve dealt with the Coastal Commission for a long time, and they are considered the most difficult in the entire country, and we cannot have them play their games and wait ten years to give somebody a permit,” Trump said.

“In fact, I’m going to override the Coastal Commission. I’m not going to let them get away with their antics,” he added to applause.

more
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/01/25/report-trump-eyes-monday-to-give-federal-regulatory-relief-to-l-a/

[LadyLiberty]

The super scoopers being used to fight the fires are on loan from Canada. One was damaged by a drone, and I'm not sure if it is back in service.

[MeganC]

I am hearing that Gavin Newsom and the LA Mayor are talking about replacing the burned down neighborhoods with apartment blocks. This would explain why he was so giddy recently when interviewed after the fires. He was talking about land use and plans and obviously that had nothing to do with rebuilding homes and businesses.

Also, I wonder if President Trump will likewise intervene in Lahaina, Maui to help those people start rebuilding their homes?

[rangerrebew]

'Putting plants over people': Malibu city councilmember blasts California's wildfire mismanagement

Malibu City Councilmember Haylynn Conrad criticizes California's environmental mismanagement that allegedly contributed to devastating wildfires that swept through the southern part of the Golden State.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/putting-plants-over-people-malibu-city-councilmember-blasts-california-s-wildfire-mismanagement/vi-AA1xR9MS?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=HCTS&cvid=e647ae5bb3404679999494c32c67bf0e&ei=88

[rangerrebew]

Does this guy think politicians should waste their time researching when they can "rely" of the highest bidder with the most "honoraria?"