California is burning — and the devastation is too often preventable.

The deadly Palisades Fire, which killed 12 people and destroyed homes across Los Angeles in January, is now believed to have been intentionally set by one man. That one act of alleged arson turned into one of the worst wildfires in recent memory.

But the tragedy didn’t end with the flames.

A new after-action report reveals that emergency resources were delayed, evacuation orders were late, and the initial fire response lacked sufficient staffing — all during dangerous Red Flag conditions that were forecasted in advance.

This cannot happen again.

We, the undersigned, are calling on the California State Legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom to act now by passing legislation to:

• Increase penalties for arson when it results in death, injury, or mass property loss
• Treat large-scale arson as an act of domestic terrorism under state law
• Mandate faster wildfire response protocols when Red Flag conditions are in effect
• Require local governments to audit and upgrade evacuation communication systems
   

It should not take 12 lives lost for California to confront what residents already know: wildfire preparedness is not where it needs to be. And arson — especially repeat or intentional arson — must be met with the strongest legal consequences possible.

We cannot reduce every wildfire risk, but we can stop letting arsonists gamble with people’s lives. And we can ensure that when fires do start, communities aren’t left vulnerable due to delayed responses and outdated warning systems.

California already has one of the most challenging wildfire environments in the world. Add preventable delays and legal loopholes, and it becomes a recipe for disaster.