Demanding Better for LA's Most Vulnerable Amid Fires
Throughout January, wildfires spread across Los Angeles County, decimating swaths of Altadena, Northern Pasadena, and the Pacific Palisades and leaving many in fear of where the next one might erupt. Amidst the devastation, one thing has proven to be true–we keep each other safe. Angelenos have come together in mutual aid efforts and community care, activating locals in nearly every field to step up and help. Peacemakers have partnered with hospitals and community-based organizations in affected areas to donate backpacks, clothing, N95 masks, food, water, and other essentials–once again showing how violence intervention agencies are ready and willing to act as first responders in times of need.
At the same time, however, multiple fires threatened the safety of incarcerated youth and adults in various county facilities. As the Hurst fire in Sylmar grew, LA County leaders provided little in the way of public communication on if or when Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall, which was in proximity to the evacuation zone, would be evacuated. Campus Kilpatrick found itself in a similar dilemma being in close proximity to the Palisades fire. A week later, the Hughes fire rapidly spread while 4,700 inmates were held in facilities in the Castaic jail complex only about five miles away and within the evacuation zone. The LA Times reported that about three fourths of the county’s transport buses that would be needed to evacuate inmates were not operational. Instead, sheriff officials chose to shelter in place. This is an alarming display of mismanagement and poor planning by county leaders who are responsible for the safety and well-being of incarcerated people, particularly in an emergency.
If this feels familiar, it’s because we’ve been here before. In 2018, the Woolsey fire threatened the safety of 41 teenage boys incarcerated at Campus Kilpatrick, and the staff working there, while LA County leaders were woefully unprepared for an imminent evacuation. Fortunately, in 2018 and the present, firefighters (including incarcerated responders working for less than minimum wage) were able to contain the fires before anyone was directly harmed. However, we cannot wait for a tragedy to occur before having plans and protocols in place to protect the lives of those incarcerated in LA County. Too much is at stake.
The county’s inability to keep the people in its care safe does not stop with the fires. Since 2023, at least 75 people have died in LA County’s jails. Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall–the only readily available option for youth inside Barry J. Nidorf to evacuate to–has been operating unlawfully since last December due to its failure to meet the bare minimum requirements for suitability. These failures underscore the urgent need to prioritize alternatives to incarceration to reduce our reliance on jails, prisons, and juvenile facilities. Urban Peace Institute is working alongside many movement partners to build a comprehensive community-based safety infrastructure that centers effective alternatives, such as community violence intervention, pre-arrest diversion, and youth development. While advancements have been made, LA County continues to rely heavily on punitive approaches that do not get us any closer to true safety.
The people incarcerated by the County are already among the most vulnerable folks in our community. They shouldn't have to wonder if they'll be provided clean underwear or if enough staff will show up to allow school programming, let alone worry that a lack of buses might prevent their safe evacuation from a natural disaster.
In a time where climate models point to increased fire risks, LA will likely experience more crises in the future. On top of that, we have a new federal administration who has shown tremendous disregard for the lives, rights and well-being of our most vulnerable communities. We must hold our leaders accountable to doing everything we can to keep people safe.
Safety is a human right that our elected officials must work to protect for everybody–regardless of their immigration status and zip code, or whether or not they are incarcerated. Urban Peace Institute invites you to join us in making peace and safety a reality for all, by taking the following actions below!
Call the LA County Board of Supervisors to express your serious disappointment in the handling of incarcerated individuals’ safety amid the fires. Demand they hold the Probation and Sheriffs Departments accountable for ensuring emergency preparedness and transparency with the public. Find your supervisor here.
Sign UPI’s Peace Pledge to join the movement for peace and stay alert on upcoming calls to action.
Share the Peace Pledge with two people and ask them to COMMIT TO PEACE.