Council amends red-flag protocols; staff cautioned about enforcement capacity

The ad hoc LA Recovery Committee approved revised instructions to update city protocols for red-flag and particularly dangerous situation (PDS) declarations, but council members pressed departments for realistic, budgeted plans before imposing enforcement-heavy requirements.

John Brown of the Emergency Management Department outlined current practice: a National Weather Service red-flag warning triggers EMD coordination calls and department notifications, while LAFD may declare a local red-flag day based on microclimate conditions that can activate local parking restrictions and related enforcement. Brown said the upcoming EOP annex revision will clarify PDS language and mandate a minimum EOC activation level for high-severity events.

Council members approved several amendments to the CD4 amendment that were read into the record earlier. The committee instructed EMD, LAFD and other departments to develop a formal citywide protocol for PDS/red-flag warnings, asked the City Administrative Officer and City Attorney to report on options (including potential fine increases and towing capacity) and added a CAO/CIO role to assess funding, digital integration and feasibility. The committee also directed the City Attorney to report back — rather than immediately draft enforceable rules — on restricting outdoor barbecuing, fire pits and other open-flame activities during red-flag events.

Councilwoman Rodriguez raised staffing concerns: "We don't have the adequate staffing related to our peer jurisdictions to do everything that's mandated in the ad code," she said, pressing for realistic assessments tied to budget and operational capacity. EMD acknowledged limited operational staff and said it has submitted budget requests; the committee added report-backs to assess practical and fiscal implications before ordering enforcement changes.

Public safety and outreach measures already in place were described: LASA outreach teams follow SOPs to alert and, if needed, transport people experiencing homelessness in very high fire severity zones, and Recreation and Parks said it closes and posts unstaffed parks in those zones during severe warnings but acknowledged enforcement limits in large park footprints.

What happens next: Departments will return with CAO/CLA/CIO-supported reports on feasibility, funding and operational implications; several amended instructions were approved as report-backs to provide the committee the information needed before adopting binding ordinances or enforcement programs.