More than 25,000 homes were evacuated in Porter Ranch and the surrounding communities last week due to danger from the Saddleridge wildfire. The flames reached the Aliso Canyon gas storage facility, the site of the worst gas blowout in U.S. history in October 2015. Mayor Eric Garcetti declared a state of emergency, but Governor Newsom has not, neither did he give a statement if he will shut off Aliso Canyon gas storage facility.
“I’ve signed an emergency declaration for the #SaddleridgeFire directing @LACity agencies to take all necessary steps to protect lives and property threatened by this fire, and calling on our County and State partners to support us with the resources and collaboration we need.,” Mayor Garcetti said via Twitter.
According to news outlets, SoCalGas said the fire department evacuated the employees at Aliso Canyon gas storage facility, because they were not informed about any damage to the facility. The Aliso gas storage facility stated that multiple fire departments from the city and surrounding communities responded to help fight the fire around the facility.
In response, Food & Water Action California State Director Alexandra Nagy issued a statement in regards to Governor Newsom’s lack of response.
“As the Saddleridge Fire rages through Aliso Canyon storage facility we fear the worst for our friends, colleagues and neighbors. As homes are on fire in Porter Ranch and Granada Hills, the blaze at the storage facility is sending toxins into the atmosphere. We are enraged that Governor Newsom has dragged his feet on closing Aliso Canyon storage facility, despite repeated promises to protect the community,” Nagy said. “As the fourth anniversary of the blowout at Aliso Canyon approaches in just days, families should not once again face this threat – one that could have been avoided if the governor and state regulators took timely action to shut the facility. It is not too late for Governor Newsom to protect the health and safety of local families and shut down Aliso Canyon immediately.”
