My husband and I fought all morning to save our home from the Corral Canyon fire. I write concerning the concerned citizens meeting with Los Angeles Fire Department officials last week. The Times mainly reported what Chief Freeman claimed and presented.
His figures may have been true for somewhere along the edges of the fire, but those of us in the canyon who defended our homes or grieve our losses experienced a different reality. No matter the claims of support, the results are undeniable. At least 53 families lost their homes; others their outbuildings and vehicles. Many testified that there was no fire department support of any kind. Statistics mean nothing in the rubble and scorched earth.
Note to the Fire Department personnel: You received your paychecks and pension funds. Do you recommend we all buy helmets, cocoons, hoses and hatchets? Next fire, which is only a matter of time, skip the PowerPoint presentation and bring manpower with water.
Charlotte Ward