LA councilwoman whose district ravaged by wildfires looks to hold leaders accountable for empty reservoirs

Los Angeles Council Member Traci Park is demanding accountability from city and state officials following the devastating wildfires that have ravaged her district. The historic wildfires have highlighted the chronic underinvestment in critical infrastructure and public safety in Los Angeles, raising questions about the city’s readiness to host world-stage events in the coming years.

In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Council Member Traci Park expressed her concerns about the lack of preparedness and dysfunction in the city’s firefighting efforts. The empty reservoirs hindered firefighting efforts, with dysfunctional fire hydrants and significant reductions in the fire department’s budget exacerbating the situation.

Governor Gavin Newsom has called for an independent review of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to investigate the water supply issues during the emergency. The reports of loss of water pressure to fire hydrants and the unavailability of water supplies from the Santa Ynez Reservoir have raised serious concerns about the city’s ability to effectively respond to emergencies.

Council Member Traci Park, whose district includes the Pacific Palisades, one of the areas hardest hit by the wildfires, emphasized the need for better disaster preparedness. With Los Angeles set to host the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, Park highlighted the gaps in preparation that were exposed by the recent wildfires.

Despite expressing gratitude for the support from state and county partners, Park emphasized the need for strategic planning to address the city’s vulnerabilities. She raised concerns about the firefighting resources being spread thin, especially as the city prepares to host millions of visitors for major events.

The wildfires have also drawn attention to the state’s outdated water reserves system. California’s existing reservoirs, many of which were built in the mid-20th century, have limitations in managing water supply during emergencies. While California voters approved funds for increasing water storage capacity through Proposition 1 in 2014, no new reservoirs have been completed under the initiative.

As California grapples with the aftermath of the wildfires and looks towards future events, Council Member Traci Park is advocating for greater accountability and strategic planning to ensure that the city is better prepared for emergencies. The recent wildfires have underscored the need for investment in critical infrastructure and public safety to protect the residents of Los Angeles.