

Rick Caruso on LA’s Wildfires, Policy Failures, and the Path Forward
32 snips Jan 30, 2025
Rick Caruso, an LA real estate developer and former mayoral candidate, shares his insights on the systemic failures that led to devastating wildfires in January 2025. He discusses how he fortified his properties against disasters and emphasizes the need for resilient infrastructure. The conversation also touches on California's water management issues, rising crime, and the importance of effectively allocating state resources. Caruso advocates for innovative rebuilding strategies to better prepare for future emergencies and improve community safety.
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Palisades Village Survival
- Rick Caruso's Palisades Village was the only structure in the town left standing after the Palisades Fire.
- This demonstrates the effectiveness of resilient design and disaster preparedness.
Fire Causes and Failures
- The Palisades fire was fueled by 40 years of unmanaged brush and exacerbated by inadequate city preparedness.
- Empty fire hydrants due to drained reservoirs highlight the failures in planning and leadership.
Disaster Preparedness
- Build with non-combustible materials and have a rapid deployment team for disasters.
- Backup water systems and private firefighting resources are also crucial.