Elected officials hold a unique and critical responsibility: to guide their communities through times of peace and crisis alike. The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and Ventura counties serve as a stark reminder of this task. Fueled by hurricane-force Santa Ana winds, these fires scorched over 47,000 acres, claimed at least 28 lives, and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.

In such moments of devastation, the strength and character of public servants shine through. When the National Weather Service issued warnings, local governments acted decisively. Emergency operations centers came online, city leaders mobilized, and emergency plans were set into motion. Many cities declared a state of emergency, unlocking additional resources and streamlining coordination with federal, state, and regional partners.

Clear and consistent communication proved pivotal in keeping residents informed and safe. In Arcadia — which sits just outside the confines of the Eaton fire — city officials kept residents updated through the city’s website, email blasts, social media, and reverse 911 calls. Law enforcement officers went door-to-door to notify endangered residents of evacuation orders.

Public works teams throughout the region worked tirelessly to clear major roadways, while the fire department deployed resources to combat the nearby blazes. Staff collaborated with the Red Cross, utility agencies, and local hospitals. Many local officials personally reached out to legislators and key partners for additional resources and funding, including Arcadia Mayor Michael Cao, MD.

“As an elected official, we deal with a multitude of issues, but no one is truly prepared for a fast-moving disaster that impacts an entire region,” said Cao, who also serves as the president of the Cal Cities Los Angeles County Division.

But in disasters of this magnitude, no single entity can manage the response alone. Mutual aid agreements played an indispensable role by enabling the sharing of personnel, equipment, and expertise across jurisdictions.

“When a disaster strikes, partnerships formed through various mutual aid agreements are crucial for effectively responding to large-scale incidents,” Cao said. “This requires a multi-faceted and coordinated approach to minimize damage and protect lives, property, and natural resources. These plans should be discussed and formalized well in advance to streamline the issuance of evacuation orders and the safe relocation of residents.”

Investing in fire prevention and preparedness is not optional — it is essential. Creating defensible spaces, hardening homes, and educating communities on best practices can significantly reduce the risk of future wildfires. Policies mandating fire-resistant construction materials, retrofitting existing structures, and ensuring accessible evacuation routes are fundamental to safeguarding communities.

Pre-planning with emergency responders and using standard operating procedures is also essential. “This creates a playbook for an initial attack that eliminates any question of what immediate assignments are needed,” said Michael McCliman, Rancho Cucamonga fire chief. “By creating such, first-arriving officers set into motion a series of expected actions that are anticipated by responding personnel to assist in mitigating the threat to life and property as efficiently and effectively as possible.”

Resilience and recovery

While immediate response efforts are critical, the road to recovery is equally important. Elected officials must prioritize rebuilding with resilience in mind, leveraging lessons learned to create stronger, more prepared communities. Only through comprehensive planning, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to public safety can communities rise from the ashes stronger than before.

John Gillison, Rancho Cucamonga city manager, says that the first step to rebuilding is clearing a scene and rebuilding critical infrastructure. The sooner these basics are in place, the quicker cities can focus on making it easy for people to rebuild their homes and lives.

“At the same time, lessons learned from the disaster should be incorporated in rebuilding and redesigning neighborhoods to harden them against future disasters and, to the extent possible, improve livability,” Gillison said. “Patience is also key because, in any large-scale disaster, rebuilding generally takes much longer than anticipated.”

This is crucial, as wildfires not only destroy homes but exacerbate pre-existing housing challenges. Local officials have collaborated to address immediate housing needs, sharing strategies for temporary shelters and long-term rebuilding efforts. This interconnected approach highlights the importance of regional solidarity in overcoming shared challenges.

The League of California Cities adopts this same collaborative mindset at the state and federal levels. By educating communities and policymakers, engaging in cross-jurisdictional collaboration, and elevating the voices of those impacted, cities can build resilience against future crises.

To all elected officials: Your leadership is the guiding force behind your community’s resilience. Whether addressing natural disasters, housing crises, or both, your role is pivotal in fostering unity, adaptability, and strength. Together, we can face these challenges head-on and emerge stronger than ever.