The Pacific Palisades community in Los Angeles, designated as one of California’s most hazardous areas by state fire officials, had repeatedly raised concerns about illegal fireworks before disaster struck.

According to San Francisco Chronicle reporting, residents of this fire-prone area frequently voiced their worries during community council meetings about teenagers setting off fireworks — which are prohibited in Los Angeles — near dry vegetation.

Community Concerns Ignored

At these meetings, Pacific Palisades Community Council President Sue Kohl frequently heard similar complaints.

As reported by the Chronicle, Kohl, who along with many neighbors would later lose her home, noted that “there have been problems lately with teens and firecrackers, and it seems to come up at almost every PPCC meeting.”

The ongoing catastrophe, which has destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people, is now under investigation for a potential connection between two incidents: a small fire on Jan. 1, possibly ignited by New Year’s fireworks, and the massive blaze that erupted on Jan. 7.

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Ongoing Fireworks Issues

Resident Don Griffin, who documented both fires through photographs, told the Chronicle about ongoing issues with fireworks in the area, particularly around holidays and on isolated trails.

Meanwhile, David Serota, whose home was destroyed, shared his community’s frustrated efforts to address the problem. According to Serota’s social media posts cited by the Chronicle, community members had spent two years attempting to stop teenagers from regularly setting off fireworks throughout the neighborhood.

Investigation Underway

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has initiated an investigation into the fire’s cause, although spokesperson Ginger Colbrun emphasized to the Chronicle that it’s premature to draw conclusions about the fire’s origin.

As Pacific Palisades residents cope with the devastating aftermath, many are questioning whether their previous warnings about fireworks warranted more serious attention and action from authorities.

Read more at the San Francisco Chronicle