One year ago, Southern California experienced one of the most devastating wildfire disasters in American history.
Over the days and weeks that followed, 14 fires erupted in and around L.A. County. Families lost loved ones. Entire neighborhoods were erased. More than 200,000 people were displaced, and tens of thousands of Californians are still struggling to return home.
Here in the Santa Clarita Valley, the massive and fast-moving Hughes fire threatened Castaic, forcing thousands to evacuate.
The extraordinary work of our firefighters and first responders prevented further destruction in our community. Through quick detection, coordination across agencies, and tireless work under dangerous conditions, they contained these fires and saved lives.
Last year, I met with the Angeles National Forest firefighters who first spotted the Hughes Fire and worked around the clock to ensure it didn’t spread. Thanks to them and many more, we avoided disaster for Castaic. I’ve stayed in contact with firefighter leadership at the national forest, as well as at the county and at the city level, as we consider ways that Congress can support their efforts and make sure they have the tools they need to keep us safe when future wildfires occur.
Today, recovery is far from over. Across Southern California, seven in 10 wildfire survivors have not yet returned home. Many families remain in temporary or unstable housing, while we continue to rebuild schools, small businesses and critical infrastructure.
That is why, last week, on the anniversary of the fires, I led a letter with 42 members of the California congressional delegation calling on the federal government to deliver long-overdue supplemental disaster funding. In December, California submitted a disaster relief request that will help rebuild homes and schools, restore critical infrastructure, support small businesses, and ensure communities can recover safely and durably.
Disaster relief should never be partisan. When hurricanes strike the Gulf Coast or tornadoes hit the Midwest, the federal government responds. Californians deserve the same commitment, especially since we contribute more on a net basis than any other state in federal taxes ($80 billion more than we receive, by one measure).
For me, this issue is deeply personal. Before coming to Congress, I co-founded an organization focused on combating megafires and advancing fire science. I ran for office because I believe wildfires pose an existential threat to Southern California and much of the American West, and that threat has only grown.
Now in Washington, I’m working on legislation to protect our homes and businesses through additional “hardening” measures, improve our struggling insurance market, treat our forest land so that fires are more difficult to start and spread, increase penalties for those who commit arson, bolster the firefighting workforce and pay, and utilize innovative technology to put out fires when it’s too dangerous for aircraft to fly.
Wildfires are no longer rare or isolated events. They are recurring, life-threatening disasters, and our response must reflect that reality. That means passing bills like mine and many others that will help prevent future fires. It also means treating disaster recovery funding not as a favor, but as a federal responsibility.
One year later, Southern California is still rebuilding. Santa Clarita, and the entire surrounding area, remains at risk for future wildfires if we do not act. We must ensure our communities are safer in the years ahead, and I will do everything I can as your representative to make that happen.
Rep. George Whitesides represents California’s 27th Congressional District. “Democratic Voices” appears Tuesdays and rotates among several local Democrats.
