Part 4/9:
Amid the chaos, the apparent inadequacy of local authorities has been alarming. Reports revealed that many fire hydrants in parts of Los Angeles ran dry during the initial response to the fires. The anger and dismay among residents are palpable, particularly as emergency services seemed unprepared for the scale of the crisis. Comments from city officials suggest a focus on “equity” over practical disaster readiness, raising questions about commitment to community safety in the face of such disasters.