Recent wildfires in Los Angeles County have caused extensive damage to the sewer, power, and transportation systems, according to Public Works Director Mark Pestrella. The intense heat and strong winds associated with the fires have resulted in the destruction of critical infrastructure.
Pestrella highlighted the widespread impact of the fires, noting that thousands of trees have been uprooted and now obstruct roadways throughout the affected communities. This has led to a significant amount of debris accumulation, posing a hazard to residents.
Efforts are underway to collaborate with the city of Los Angeles to safely remove the hazardous and potentially toxic debris from properties. Pestrella emphasized the importance of not attempting to handle or remove the debris independently due to safety concerns.
The damaged infrastructure presents a significant challenge for local authorities, who are working diligently to address the aftermath of the wildfires. The priority is to ensure the safety of residents and mitigate the environmental impact of the disaster.
Residents are urged to exercise caution and refrain from interacting with the debris until it has been safely cleared by trained professionals. The cleanup process is expected to be complex and time-consuming, requiring coordinated efforts to restore normalcy to the affected areas.