Los Angeles County Fire Department, CA

Citygate was retained by the Los Angeles County and the Los Angeles County Fire Department to conduct an additional independent review into the Eaton Fire of January 2025. Specifically, Citygate’s investigation focused on the reported three-hour delay by LACoFD personnel before Evacuation Orders were issued for areas of the unincorporated community of Altadena west of Lake Avenue during the first night of the fire. Citygate was tasked to review available evidence, interview key personnel, and conduct additional research as needed into the Eaton Fire’s behavior as it drove Incident Command decisions during the hours under review.

Citygate assisted the Los Angeles County Fire Department team to provide firefighting and emergency medical services by reviewing the impacts of building a new National Football League stadium at the identified City of Inglewood location. This included the stadium, the surrounding new commercial and residential properties, and the adjoining existing City of Inglewood service demands. The goal of this project was to provide the Department with independent subject-matter expertise and feedback regarding the fire and EMS needs of the stadium, as well as the overall fire unit deployment needs for the increased visitor and full-time populations.

Citygate completed a fire services study for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, in cooperation with the City of Santa Clarita. This study assessed the adequacy of revenue to support the current and planned operations and capital expenditures for stations and equipment in the Valley; the present adequacy of the number and location of fire stations, equipment, and personnel in the Valley; and the timing and adequacy of the number and location of planned fire stations, equipment, and personnel in the Valley. This project was completed within the agreed-to time frame and budget.