In this critical episode of The Legal Lens Podcast, host Angela Reddock-Wright sits down with Genethia Hudley-Hayes, President of the Los Angeles Fire Commission, to discuss LA’s wildfire response, governance, and emergency management.
In this critical episode of The Legal Lens Podcast, host Angela Reddock-Wright sits down with Genethia Hudley-Hayes, President of the Los Angeles Fire Commission, to discuss LA’s wildfire response, governance, and emergency management.
With recent wildfires throughout Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, there has been particular public scrutiny, focus and critique of the City of Los Angeles’ response to the Palisades and other LA City area fires. Commissioner Hudley-Hayes clarifies the distinct roles of Mayor Karen Bass as the City’s lead crisis manager, the LA Fire Chief, and the LA Fire Commission, debunking misconceptions about fire department funding, deployment strategies, and crisis leadership.
She also shares insights on the Fire Commission’s oversight responsibilities, the climate and culture of the LA Fire Department, and ongoing efforts to improve wildfire preparedness and emergency response policies, among other critical policies.
As the annual wildfire seasons continue to become longer and more severe, understanding how Los Angeles prepares for and responds to disasters is essential. This episode provides insider knowledge on how fire resources are deployed, policies are shaped, and communities are supported in the aftermath of destructive fires.