overall it was a success. Photo by Amy Mickens
The Los Angeles Fire Department held a Wildfire Evacuation Exercise in Mandeville Canyon under the command of the Los Angeles Police Department on Sunday, May 18.
It was held from 10 am to 1 pm, followed by a safety fair at Paul Revere Middle School that went until 3 pm. Police patrolled the streets while residents were away to prevent any possible looting.
The drill was held so emergency service workers who protect the community could practice their skills should an evacuation be necessary in Mandeville Canyon’s five mile long cul-de-sac.
Futhermore, it is hoped that residents avoid panic if a wildfire prompts an evacuation in the future.
LAFD asked the three homeowner associations within the canyon – Brentwood Hills Homeowners Association (BHHA), Upper Mandeville Canyon Association (UMCA), and Mandeville Canyon Association (MCA) – for their help in getting residents to participate to make the drill as realistic as possible.
The three associations launched an intensive campaign to help advertise this drill, including knocking on doors, handouts, emails, information on their websites, articles in the Brentwood News and other media outlets, and endorsements from local politicians. Local TV news stations also covered the event.
Residents were urged to get into their cars, and under LAPD’s direction, drive down to the school.
After checking in, residents could leave. But, it was in residents’ interest to attend the fair that started at noon.
Firefighters, police, and those who support them, were at the school to answer questions about emergency preparation and ways to stay safe when a wildfire threatens.
Several things did not go as originally planned.
Many did not receive a warning phone call or a knock on the door. It was difficult to hear what the police were announcing due to their motorcycles.
The school’s entry point was changed causing confusion and congestion.
Some gave up and did not check in. There was insufficient parking, partly due to the layout of tables for the many agencies taking part in the fair and the location of fire trucks.
There were a few minor issues, which did not impact the purpose of the drill.
For example, only residents were supposed to be allowed to re-enter the canyon between 10 am and 1 pm, but this was not enforced.
The school did not want pets on the field. Some ignored this.
Evacuees were instructed to register at the Red Cross table, but the LAPD had a table at the entrance for registration.
Some just signed in at one of the two tables, and some registered at both. This confused some residents and possibly the count, which was quite large.
But, the purpose of the exercise was for the LAFD and LAPD to gain experience and learn what problems would occur. Therefore, the evacuation was a success.
LAFD, LAPD, and the Tri-Association Task Force will hold a meeting on June 25 to discuss the results of the evacuation.
Thank you LAFD and LAPD for your great effort!
