Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Emergency Response topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Anaheim officials describe mutual‑aid response as region battles wind‑driven fires
Summary
City officials said Anaheim sent strike teams to Los Angeles County fires, pre‑positioned resources locally and that Anaheim’s water and utility systems remained intact. City leaders urged residents to review evacuation plans and prepare emergency kits.
Anaheim officials on Jan. 14 briefed the City Council on the city’s response to large, wind‑driven wildfires in Los Angeles and Ventura counties and described steps taken to support neighboring agencies while keeping Anaheim’s firefighting capacity intact.
Fire and Rescue Chief Pat Russell said Anaheim pre‑positioned crews and OES‑funded equipment in East Anaheim before the Santa Ana wind event. “At no time during our response sending out resources did we have any station in Anaheim unstaffed,” Russell said, adding that Anaheim personnel are still assigned to the Palisades Fire and that city leaders maintain regular check‑ins with deployed crews and their families.
The city manager reported that Anaheim itself had “no major issues” from the wind event but that staff coordinated closely with Orange County and state partners. Anaheim Public Utilities (APU) staff told the council APU had deployed two field crews to assist Glendale Water & Power with power restoration and that Anaheim’s water system — including booster capacity and regularly maintained hydrants — remained operational.
Why it matters: Council members said Anaheim’s mutual‑aid role and the city’s preparedness matter for public safety and regional stability. City and utility leaders stressed the limits of mutual aid and urged residents to prepare evacuation plans and keep vehicles fueled so families can leave early if evacuations are ordered.
Council and staff stressed three near‑term points: (1) Anaheim sent strike teams to assist Los Angeles County, (2) Anaheim kept local stations staffed and pre‑positioned resources in case of local incidents, and (3) residents should review household emergency plans. The city also announced a donation drive on Monday, Jan. 20, in coordination with Anaheim Fire Department, to collect clothing and toiletries for people displaced by the fires.
Support and coordination: Chief Russell described coordination with county partners, CAL FIRE, and state Office of Emergency Services (OES), and said Anaheim confirmed its mutual‑aid contract obligations. The city manager and APU noted daily coordination with Orange County chiefs and utilities staff, and public works reported clearing more than 50 wind‑related tree issues during the storm.
Council members praised Anaheim firefighters, public works and APU crews for their work supporting neighboring jurisdictions. Mayor Aiken and multiple council members said the city will continue to review emergency plans and public communications.
The council did not take formal action on the update but directed staff to continue interagency coordination and resident outreach.
