URGENT UPDATE: Today, November 13, 2025, U.S. senators held a critical hearing in Pacific Palisades focused on the devastating wildfire that ravaged the community earlier this year. Residents shared heartbreaking accounts of loss and frustration over government response, as officials seek to understand and reform disaster management.
Led by Republican Senators Rick Scott of Florida and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, the hearing drew attention to the catastrophic impacts of the January 7 wildfire, which destroyed over 6,800 structures and burned more than 23,000 acres, resulting in 12 fatalities. This hearing represents a pivotal moment for the residents as they call for accountability and support in recovery efforts.
Residents, including reality TV star Spencer Pratt, who lost his home, expressed deep emotional distress during the hearing. Pratt criticized the slow recovery process, labeling it “an absolute nightmare,” and referenced the ongoing struggles faced by communities like Paradise, which has yet to fully recover from the 2018 Camp Fire. “It’s hard not to feel abandoned by our state and local politicians,” he stated, as he emphasized the dire need for immediate action.
The hearing, held at the American Legion building, aimed to uncover failures in the government’s response and to ensure that no community suffers similar fates in future disasters. Scott condemned the situation as “an unacceptable failure of government to protect the lives and property of its citizens,” referencing empty reservoirs and dry fire hydrants at the time of the Palisades fire.
The California Governor’s office responded critically to the hearing, accusing the senators of using the platform for self-promotion. “Our hearts go out to the victims of the Palisades fire,” they stated, while also highlighting that necessary funding for disaster recovery has been stalled by political maneuvering at the federal level.
During the testimony, residents voiced serious concerns about the timing of evacuation notices and criticized the local government’s preparedness. Bruce Schwartz, a longtime resident, pointed out that the devastation stemmed from a previous fire that was thought to be extinguished but reignited, leading to the deadly Palisades fire.
Senator Johnson emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility in future recovery funding, stating, “I certainly don’t trust the elected officials in California, Los Angeles, to use that money wisely.” He suggested that Congress should enforce controls on federal aid to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars.
Community leaders, including David Schwarz, called for the establishment of an independent Palisades Reconstruction Authority, similar to the response following the September 11 attacks, to expedite rebuilding and improve disaster resilience. Many residents echoed the sentiment that significant reforms are necessary to prevent future tragedies.
As the hearing unfolded, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced that the first batch of applications to expedite rebuilding efforts has been approved, marking a step forward for the affected families. However, the ongoing political tensions and disputes over accountability remain a pressing concern for residents striving to rebuild their lives.
WHAT’S NEXT: The conversation on disaster response and recovery will likely continue as residents demand action and transparency from both state and federal officials. As investigations into the Palisades fire proceed, the community remains hopeful for a more coordinated and effective approach to disaster management in the future.
This urgent situation calls for immediate attention and support for the victims of the Palisades wildfire, as the community grapples with the emotional and physical toll of this devastating event.
