Report Cites Outdated Policies, Communication Failures as Key Obstacles
Los Angeles County’s handling of evacuation alerts during January’s devastating wildfires showed significant gaps in policies and communication, according to an independent review released this week.
The McChrystal Group, commissioned by the Board of Supervisors, analyzed how officials responded as multiple wildfires swept through communities from Altadena to Pacific Palisades, fueled by hurricane-force winds. Those winds not only intensified the fires but also grounded firefighting aircraft and made nighttime aerial surveillance impossible on Jan. 7, a critical point in the emergency.
“While frontline responders acted decisively and, in many cases, heroically, in the face of extraordinary conditions, the events underscored the need for clearer policies, stronger training, integrated tools, and improved public communication,” the report said.
While the review did not find a single point of failure, it highlighted a series of problems that limited the county’s ability to warn and evacuate residents. Among them were outdated policies, inconsistent procedures, and communication vulnerabilities that slowed coordination across agencies.
“Our communities deserve transparency—and this report is a critical step toward accountability. It shows where we fell short during the January wildfires and where we must do better,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, Third District. “This report is only as strong as the action that follows. As climate-driven disasters accelerate, we must stay focused on education and prevention, training, and community partnerships that make us truly prepared. In the Third District, emergency preparedness is a way of life—and I look forward to our community joining us for events this fall to strengthen our work together.”
The January wildfires were among the most destructive in county history, claiming 31 lives and destroying 16,251 properties across Los Angeles, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Malibu, and surrounding areas.
To prepare the report, the McChrystal Group interviewed 147 people and held six community listening sessions, focusing on lessons learned rather than assigning blame. The firm has also been tasked with a follow-up review examining recovery and repopulation efforts.
County supervisors are scheduled to discuss the findings and recommendations during their public meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 30, with a focus on strengthening emergency response systems and ensuring communities are better protected during future disasters.
You can read the full report here.
Highlights of findings and recommendations are here.
A summary of County actions and improvements already taken or underway is available here.
For a summary of the report’s findings about Eaton Fire notifications and evacuations, click here.
