Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
US Forest Service to announce updated firefighting policies following Station Fire
A Los Angeles County fire fighter sprays water on burning trees as he fights the Station Fire on August 30, 2009, in Acton, Calif.
(
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
)
Listen
0:53
US Forest Service to announce updated firefighting policies following Station Fire
US Forest Service to announce updated firefighting policies following Station Fire
Two summers ago, the Station Fire killed two firefighters and destroyed more than 200 buildings in the San Gabriel Mountains. On Thursday, federal officials will update a Southland congressman on changes they’ve made to prevent future firefighting mistakes.
Critics slammed the Forest Service for not deploying airborne firefighting tankers the first day of the Station Fire. The U.S. Agriculture Department accused the Forest Service of focusing on its budget rather than the cost of the fire.
The largest wildfire in L.A. County history burned more than 250 square miles of what’s described as “one of the most valuable watersheds in the world.”
Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff of Burbank has convened one town hall meeting on the fire. On Thursday, he’ll hear from the chief of fire and aviation for the Forest Service and an official from the Government Accountability Office on changes to federal firefighting procedures.
Anyone may attend this next meeting. It’s at the Altadena Public Library, starting Thursday morning at 10:30.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
