California Wildfire Victims Want Probe

People affected by the massive wildfire that burned about 250 square miles northeast of Los Angeles are calling for a federal investigation into what they say was a poor initial response to the blaze.

Angry residents of the Big Tujunga Canyon area, a popular spot for hiking and fishing in the Angeles National Forest, packed a meeting hall Monday night to confront officials. A day earlier, the Los Angeles Times reported that the U.S. Forest Service had underestimated the fire’s strength and scaled back firefighting efforts the night before flames started raging out of control.

Los Angeles County Chief Deputy John Tripp says firefighters did the best they could without jeopardizing lives.

The blaze, which started Aug. 26, killed two firefighters and destroyed dozens of homes. Authorities say an arsonist is to blame.

Latest Comments

• September 30, 2009 at 2:19 am

  kathi_mcmanus@wellsfafgois.com says:

  The investigation should be why the area was not cleared before the fire. The state uses a non profit company (and how many friends of our politicians are at this non profit?)... read more
• September 30, 2009 at 1:44 am

  County Line says:

  I understand the fire victims' frustration. However, it runs harshly against the grain of personal responsibility to second guess the good guys who do their best to protect th... read more