Sept. 29, 2025 7 AM PT
To the editor: One key discovering within the McChrystal Group report is, as a result of the truth that the Eaton fireplace was fought solely at evening with winds that compelled all plane to be grounded, the primary responders had been left and not using a fowl’s-eye view of the hearth and couldn’t observe its total motion (“‘Perfect storm’ caused botched evacuations during deadly Eaton fire, investigation finds,” Sept. 25). This lack of aerial view appears absurd these days. The Nationwide Oceanic and Atmospheric Company has satellites that particularly monitor wildfires and assist in monitoring their motion.
In keeping with its website, NOAA satellites “excel in fireplace detection, mapping, environmental influence evaluation and assist for firefighting efforts. … Actual-time knowledge aids firefighting businesses in making knowledgeable choices.” The Hazard Mapping System affords a complete view of present fireplace circumstances and is publicly accessible to supply day by day updates on fireplace places and standing.
NOAA collaborates with NASA and the U.S. Forest Service to share essential info. So then, why aren’t cities and counties collaborating extra and getting info from NOAA in emergencies just like the Eaton fireplace?
Wendy Prober, Tarzana
