Adam Schiff wants independent commission to review wildfire response

Source: Politico

01/12/2025 11:40 AM EST


California Sen. Adam Schiff on Sunday urged the creation of an independent commission to review all elements of the response to devastating wildfires that continue to pummel Los Angeles.

“For now, let’s focus on putting out these fires, saving lives, saving property,” Schiff told ABC’s Jonathan Karl on “This Week.” “And then, let’s do the full analysis of what went wrong.” And he expressed hope incoming President Donald Trump would work with longtime foe Gov. Gavin Newsom and other California Democrats to fund relief efforts once he takes office.

The flames have torched over 40,000 acres and destroyed more than 12,300 structures since Tuesday, nurtured by dry and powerful — nearly hurricane-strength — Santa Ana winds. The winds complicated early efforts to fight the fires. So too did a lack of water. Firefighters battling the massive Palisades Fire found that some hydrants had run dry in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Newsom has already ordered an investigation into the city’s Department of Water and Power. Schiff, a longtime House representative from Los Angeles who won his Senate seat in November, told Karl he wanted to go further.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/01/12/schiff-california-wildfires-response-00197705