California Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove has raised concerns about the handling of the recent wildfires that devastated the Altadena neighborhood of Los Angeles. In an interview with CNN, she questioned the sequence of events leading up to the fires and the apparent lack of preparedness, particularly focusing on the impact on the historically Black community of Altadena.

Kamlager-Dove called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fires, specifically questioning why a disproportionate number of affected residents were uninsured. She linked this to the exodus of insurance companies from California, citing the state's policies on premium increases as a contributing factor. She also raised concerns about the power shutoffs in Altadena and whether residents received sufficient warning to evacuate, including concerns about residents being unable to rescue their pets.

CNN anchor Sara Sidner responded to Kamlager-Dove's remarks by explaining that authorities had preemptively shut off power to mitigate fire risk, which subsequently affected the functionality of water hydrants. Kamlager-Dove acknowledged this explanation but emphasized the importance of rebuilding efforts being viewed through an "equity lens."

This discussion comes amidst a broader conversation about the challenges of wildfire management in California, including the role of insurance companies, state regulations, and emergency preparedness measures. The fires have left many residents grappling with the loss of their homes and searching for answers about the decisions made in the lead-up to the disaster.