FEMA’s Stunning Remarks on California’s Fire Preparedness

FEMA Administrator Deanna Criswell insists Southern California was fully prepared for the recent devastating fires, sparking doubts among many observers.

Key Facts:

  • FEMA Administrator Deanna Criswell spoke with Margaret Brennan on CBS News over the weekend.
  • Criswell claimed local officials were “very prepared”, despite intense fires and strong winds.
  • She stated firefighters had never faced 100 mph winds, although California deals with powerful Santa Ana winds each year.
  • Criswell admitted federal funds may not require rebuilding power lines underground, leaving it up to local codes.

The Rest of The Story:

During her interview, Criswell defended California’s preparedness, suggesting that local officials were experienced in battling fires.

“I think that they were very prepared,” Criswell stated. “This is something that they are very used to. They fight fires all the time.”

She pointed to strong winds and the high population density as unusual factors that made containing the flames more difficult.

Crisell claimed firefighters “have never seen 100-mile-an-hour winds that are fueling the fire.”

When asked if powerlines should be placed underground in the area, Criswell responded, “It’s not going to be a requirement for us unless it’s part of their local code, right? And we want to be able to enforce the local codes that they have, and so we’ll work closely with California, also using this as an opportunity.”

Critics say the intense winds are a known threat and warn that the fires’ rapid spread might signal deeper mismanagement issues.

Commentary:

Like much of the Biden administration, Criswell appears either underinformed, out of touch, or dumber than dirt in her assessment of the situation. She downplays the state’s recurring wind challenges and the potential role of flawed policies.

The fire situation in Los Angeles is a tragic reminder that firefighting is only part of the solution. Liberal politicians deserve much of the blame for neglecting to properly manage forests, maintain infrastructure, and enforce stricter building codes to keep residents safe.

The Bottom Line:

Southern California’s fires raise serious questions about preparation and accountability. In the end, words of reassurance mean little if the real causes go unaddressed.

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