Lorenzo Lamas Critiques California Officials: A Call for Action Against Fire Mismanagement
Lorenzo Lamas condemned California bureaucracy for failing to have a plan of action before the Palisades Fire tore through his hometown.
Lamas, 66, who was born in Santa Monica and raised in the Pacific Palisades, claimed the Los Angeles fires could have possibly been avoided by better disaster preparation methods.
The television star, known for his iconic roles in *Falcon Crest* and *Renegade*, expressed his outrage over the devastating fires that have claimed lives and razed homes. His frustrations resonate with many as he reflects on how such calamities could have been prevented with proper foresight.
“It angers me so much because I see this as something that could have been avoided,” Lamas lamented, the weight of grief evident in his tone. His heart aches for those affected, as he knows too well the feelings of helplessness ignited by such tragedies. “If this had happened a year from now, I believe Los Angeles would have been better prepared,” he added, underscoring his disappointment in administrative readiness.
In the shadow of destruction, Lamas watched the news unfold, wondering if his his childhood memories, encapsulated in the very walls of his home, would stand against the flames. This sense of impending loss, shared by a community, creates a deep emotional chasm that many cannot fathom.
He continues by articulating an anger that stems from necessity. “It’s just absolutely devastating, and it angers me to no end that we were not prepared for this,” he stated, the concern spilling forth like the flames that ravaged the hills. His memories of practicing preparedness drills during his childhood in Southern California contrast sharply with the chaos of recent events.
“It’s just absolutely devastating, and it angers me to no end that we were not prepared for this.”
“I’m praying for the people that have lost everything – them, their families, the families of the people that have perished. This is just so tragically avoidable,” he sighed, a palpable sadness taking hold. This calamity feels personal to him, rooted in the love for his community and its residents.
Reflecting on his upbringing near the sea, he wondered: how could a land familiar with fire seasons find itself ill-equipped? “In a city that knows every year brings fire danger, I just don’t understand why we lacked the resources,” he pondered, expressing disbelief. The simplest of needs—water—seemed to falter in the face of dire circumstances.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported that the Palisades Fire burned an astounding 23,713 acres, a loss exacerbated by inadequate initial responses. Reports of eight fatalities and significant damage of over 2,100 structures indicate a grim picture that leaves scars, not just on the landscape, but deep within the hearts of those affected.
“It’s just the lack of preparation. I’m telling you. It’s just the lack of preparation is staggering.”
Unfortunately, the Eaton Fire, which ignited simultaneously, only adds to the despair. Extending this tragedy even further, it has burned 14,117 acres, with 16 confirmed fatalities and over 4,600 structures lost in the flames.
Despite a storied career in Los Angeles, Lamas now calls Idaho home, a place where the smoke doesn’t cling to the air like a haunting memory. Recently, he underwent hip replacement surgery, a personal challenge he faced with determination. “It was bone on bone for about a year, and I just wasn’t used to not having the mobility,” he explained, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
Relying on his daughter Alexandra during his recovery has been a reminder of the importance of support. “It’s important for everybody to have that support at home,” he advised, echoing the very sentiments he hopes resonate with those grappling with tragedy back home.
Allowing himself a moment of light amidst the shadows, Lamas celebrated his first wedding anniversary with his wife, Kenna Nicole Scott. They share a bond rooted in love, offering hope even amidst chaos. “Communication is key. Forgiveness, too,” he mused, recognizing that the strength of any partnership relies on mutual support and understanding.
As lives are rebuilt, Lamas’s words linger—an urgent plea for readiness in the face of inevitable uncertainty. Only time will tell how lessons learned from this devastating episode take root. It is a hope—a flicker of light against the backdrop of despair—that preparedness will guide the way forward for all Californians.
