On January 6, 2023, Los Angeles officials communicated through text messages as they braced for the disastrous Palisades Fire. Carol Parks, General Manager of the Emergency Management Department, reached out to Fire Chief Kristin Crowley to discuss the weather conditions and operational readiness. Text messages revealed that officials quickly recognized the seriousness of the wildfire situation, leading to the activation of the Emergency Operations Center. These records uncover the tense prelude to the fire as authorities poised themselves to respond to its devastating effects on the community.
The records show how officials first started to realize how bad things were getting and that the windswept blazes had the upper-hand.
Parks informed Crowley that Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center would be 'activated at Level 3 (lowest level with EMD staff)' the next day.
Crowley responded in part, 'I'll be available to discuss any necessary actions with the both of you if the need arises.'
During the text exchange on Jan. 6, Parks expressed a desire for better weather, noting 'Wishing it could have been on a blue sky day, but duty now calls.'
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