Malibu Mayor Gives Update On City’s Fire Response, Sets Town Hall For Next Week

deadline.com:

Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart addressed his city’s response to the devastating Palisade Fire that ravaged the region last week.

He praised “first responders, emergency crews, and all the agencies and organizations who have been working tirelessly during this crisis” and also gave updates on evacuation zones, utilities and more addressed some rumors.

Read the letter in full below. Stewart also announced a town hall meeting Malibu residents at 6 p.m. Tuesday, January 21, at Malibu High School.

It’s an opportunity to hear updates, ask questions and learn more about ongoing recovery efforts, he wrote. “We also need to address and dispel a rumor circulating in the community: there is no permit for expedited re-entry into evacuation zones,” the mayor wrote. “Any claims or offers to provide such a permit are false.” Stewart also addressed any critics of the city fire response. “We know there is a perception that the City isn’t doing enough,” he wrote. “I want to assure you that City staff have been working around the clock alongside our partners to respond to this historic and unprecedented event.” Here is Stewart’s letter in full:Good afternoon, I am Mayor Doug Stewart of the City of Malibu and I would like to thank you for being here as we provide an update on the City’s response to the Palisades Fire.First and foremost, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the first responders, emergency crews, and all the agencies and organizations who have been working tirelessly during this crisis.