'We need answers': Gavin Newsom demands investigation into LA 'firestorms'

California Governor Gavin Newsom has demanded an investigation into the fires that have ravaged the Los Angeles area this week. While noting that "it was clear" from the moment the fires erupted that "our public infrastructure would be put under tremendous strain," he said "we need answers." Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said that the city had failed the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Among those things that Newsom wants investigated are the "ongoing reports of the loss of water pressure to some local hydrants" as well as the "unavailability of water supplies from the Santa Ynez Reservoir." This, he said, "likely impaired the effort to protect some homes and evacuation corridors."

"We need answers to how that happened," he continued. Complaints have been pouring in from those in the area who lost their homes in the fires, who were evacuated, and who lost businesses. Reports indicate that the LA Fire Department arrived to fight fires finding no water in fire hydrants and water reservoirs dried up. Newsom blocked the building of two dams just last year over concerns about salmon being able to traverse the waterways. Some 95% of California rainwater runs off into the ocean. A key reservoir was out of service due to renovations. Criticism has also been leveled at fire department personnel, as well, as the department has focused on DEI initiatives in hiring.

Newsom said that he has "directed state water and firefighting officials to prepare an independent after-incident report examining the causes of lost water supply and water pressure in municipal water systems during the fire events, and to identify measures that local governments can implement to provide adequate water supply for emergency response during future catastrophic events."

"I request that LADWP and Los Angeles County officials swiftly prepare a comprehensive review examining their local preparation and response procedures to ensure available water supply for emergencies, and document any causes of the loss of water pressure and unavailability of water supplies," Newsom said, demanding that the agencies "fully and transparently share information and records for the state's after-incident review."

It was only two years ago that The Babylon Bee ran a satirical headline in the wake of a previous California disaster which read "Gavin Newsom Demands Answers From Whoever's in Charge of California."

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass put through cuts to the fire department in the amount of $17 million dollars. On December 4, 2024, Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said that the cuts had "adversely affected the Department's ability to maintain core operations, such as technology and communication infrastructure, payroll processing, training, fire prevention, and community education." Bass asked for additional cuts just last week.