Courage Under Fire: Examining Government Preparedness and Response to Wildfires in California
PURPOSE & BACKGROUND
The 2017 and 2018 wildfire seasons were the two deadliest wildfire seasons in U.S. history. Forecasters predict the potential for large-scale wildfires in 2019 to be higher-than-average in California and in other areas of the country.
This hearing will examine the status of recovery efforts from the 2017 and 2018 California wildfire seasons as well as the state and federal government’s preparation and response to the 2019 California wildfires. The hearing will also explore both state and federal government wildfire mitigation strategies and examine the health and environmental impacts of longer, more destructive wildfire seasons.
CHAIRMAN ROUDA'S OPENING STATEMENT
VICE CHAIR HILL'S OPENING STATEMENT
Witnesses
Mr. Brent Berkompas
Director of Governmental Affairs, Orange County Professional Firefighters Association
Dr. Afif El-Hasan
Pediatrician, California
Mr. Robert Fenton
Region IX Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Mr. Mark Ghilarducci
Director, California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
Mr. Dan Johnson
Southern Region Chief, California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
Mr. Randy Moore
Regional Forester, Pacific Southwest Region, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service
Mr. Max Moritz
Cooperative Extension Wildfire Specialist, Bren School of Environmental Science & Management
Mr. Drew Smith
Battalion Chief, Los Angeles County Fire Department
Ms. Lisl Spangenberg
Affected Resident