Laura Kavanagh

It's also insulting to the firefighters, who don't confer with city officials to respond to emergencies. Chief Crowley and her members are doing dangerous work against impossible circumstances since the first second the fire call came in. Whether mayors should travel abroad is a separate issue.

I've seen unimaginable tragedy in my time at the FDNY, but every time the willingness to help vs hurt is 1000 to 1. Ordinary heroes conducting extraordinary acts of bravery and compassion. Important to remember when we feel pessimistic - the negative stuff just hits harder but it isn't the norm

It's also critical to know that no large urban fire department oversees or controls their hydrant system - it's a separate city agency. Chief Crowley's job is to direct FD operations, it is other officials job to maintain the systems the firefighters rely on.

6.

To support the LAFD, donate to their foundation: supportlafd.org

To support displaced residents, donate to the Red Cross: lnkd.in/etkW5hHY

5.

- Leave when you're told to leave. Delays don't only endanger you, they delay and redirect fire resources

- Follow fire department instructions about ways to protect your home and clear fire routes, if you haven't yet been evacuated

It saves lives & homes when you do what the FFs need

4.

If I live in LA, what should I be doing?

- Have a go bag ready now. You can get a checklist anywhere online. Don't underestimate how rattled you will be when the time comes to go. Having what you need ready to go can save your life.

3.

- Harrowing conditions, unending days, and an enormous geographic footprint puts an incredible strain on the firefighters and their resources. LAFD is an exceptionally prepared department but this is an unprecedented event.

2.

- Fire and the Santa Ana winds are two terrifying phenomenons and an exceptionally deadly combination.
The fire spreads faster, embers can go further and start more fires, and critical aerial resources are grounded.

1.

Why is this so shocking even in a place prepared for wild fires?

- The size of the fires, the number of fires, and their huge spread across dense parts of LA - concurrently - is unprecedented.

I've gotten many questions today from people in LA needing to prepare and in NYC wanting to help.

Here are a few things l've shared🧵

As a former FDNY Commissioner, and past resident of LA, my heart is with our sister city. I know what it's like to experience a wildfire; I know what it's like to manage a public emergency of this scale; and I know the toll this is taking on the firefighters facing these harrowing conditions.