Palisades Fire victims protest leadership one year after blaze

Survivors gathered at a "They let us burn" rally on the one-year anniversary of the Palisades Fire to demand accountability from elected officials and fire agencies, saying emergency response and resources were insufficient.

Survivors and residents held a rally called "They let us burn" on the one-year anniversary of the Palisades Fire. They gathered to demand accountability from elected officials and fire agencies. Organizers and attendees said emergency response and firefighting resources were lacking during the blaze. The event also served as a time for displaced neighbors to reconnect and reflect. At the rally: - Organizers and residents said there was insufficient water, reservoirs, personnel and emergency response during the fire, as reported by participants. - Protesters named California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and local fire officials when voicing demands for accountability, and Los Angeles city councilmember Traci Park spoke at the event. - Hundreds of attendees included people displaced by the fire who described long-lasting community scars and called for more transparent, accountable leadership. Summary: Residents and organizers said they were let down by local and state leadership and called for clearer accountability, with councilmember Traci Park saying the city was "not well prepared." The rally brought together many displaced residents to remember the losses and to press for answers. Undetermined at this time.