Preparing for the Next Devastating Wildfires

As I read the CV Weekly article “Where were you on January 7, 2024?” in the Sept, 11, 2025 [issue of the] CV Weekly, I couldn’t help but reflect on the bulldozers clearing the cars from Sunset Boulevard and the total devastation caused by the horrific Pacific Palisades and Altadena wildfires.

I am concerned about the proposed overbuilding on Foothill Boulevard, especially Briggs Avenue, and its potential impact on our community. When will we read another article about traffic gridlock and the loss of life and property during the next major wildfire in our local hills? It will be inevitable.

I vividly recall the fires in 1975 and 2018, which caused gridlock from Briggs Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue. Evacuation efforts were hindered and fire equipment struggled to stage and disperse strike teams to enter the area to fight the fire and protect homes.

Our state and local officials appear to be disregarding history and instead are pushing high-density housing in a critical high-fire area. This will effectively creates choke points in our community during these emergencies.

It is only a matter of time before we experience another major fire and loss of life and property. 

We will have no one to blame except for inept government oversight and greedy builders.

Jonas Williams
La Crescenta