Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Cal Fire Director Says It's Too Soon For an Efficiency Analysis

As firefighters gradually get control of the flames, questions are arising about how well resources have been coordinated. But the California Department of Fire Protection, says it's too soon to start

As firefighters gradually get control of the flames, questions are arising about how well resources have been coordinated. But the California Department of Fire Protection, says it's too soon to start second guessing decisions made in the heat of the moment. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Ruben Grijalva, Director of Cal Fire, is fighting flames of a different sort, flickers of criticism fanned by questions about whether air power and federal resources were summoned soon enough.

Grijalva says it's too early to analyze how the battle's been waged.

Advertisement

Grijalva : But it is important because I will tell you it was starting to hurt the morale of our troops, when the firefighters are home safely, when the homeowners are back in their homes safely, let's do a good critical analysis of what went right and what went wrong, let's fix the problems.

Grijalva says local navy resources were some of the earliest help pulled in, as a result of training set up after the 2003 Cedar fire.

Grijalva says CAL Fire brought 140 fire trucks to southern California in 16 hours, and 12,000 firefighters are now deployed to fight the flames.

Alison St John, KPBS News.