Forest Service to review why firefighters initially scaled back efforts against LA wildfire

Forest Service to probe LA wildfire response

LOS ANGELES — The U.S. Forest Service is reviewing why firefighters initially scaled back efforts on a massive wildfire that eventually burned 250 square miles on the edge of Los Angeles.

Agency Chief Thomas Tidwell says the review will examine the way the Forest Service worked with other agencies and decisions that were made on how to fight the fire. The blaze destroyed 89 homes and caused the deaths of two firefighters.

Residents have been calling for a federal probe into what they say was a poor initial response to the blaze.

Los Angeles County Chief Deputy John Tripp says firefighters did the best they could without jeopardizing lives.

The Los Angeles Times has reported the Forest Service underestimated the fire’s strength and scaled back firefighting efforts the night before flames started raging out of control.