I mean, it seems like a good idea, right?
From the link
Los Angeles mayoral hopeful Nithya Raman wanted to ban backyard barbecues for residents during certain high fire danger days across the city.
Raman introduced a motion Wednesday directing city officials to examine emergency restrictions on grilling during Red Flag Warning days, when high winds and dry conditions significantly increase wildfire danger across Los Angeles.
The proposal specifically asks officials to consider possible limits on backyard barbecues, fire pits and other open flames in residential neighborhoods during those high-risk weather events.
That’s kind of wise, right?
Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who represents much of the San Fernando Valley, stepped in and successfully blocked the proposal by introducing a separate motion that stripped Raman’s barbecue ban.
“The last thing Angelenos need is a ban on hosting a carne asada in their own backyard,” Rodriguez told The California Post.
“We’re not checking the weather for red flag conditions before planning a backyard barbecue,” Rodriguez said. “This is what families do. Birthday parties. Carne asadas. Family gatherings. A lot of people barbecue.”
The same motion would have also had a major impact on restaurants that cook with open flames. Rodriguez said she started hearing concerns from restaurant owners when the motion was being passed around.
But, shouldn’t people be concerned about causing wildfires?
She pointed to Los Angeles Fire Department data showing crews responded to roughly 33,000 homeless-related fires last year alone.
“How about Ms. Raman focus on enforcing against the encampments that are the majority source of our fires instead of singling out residential neighborhoods and folks having backyard barbecues?” Rodriguez said.
And Ms. Rodriguez is correct. Almost every single one of California’s wildfires have been caused by intentional or mistaken arson (homeless people or otherwise), lighting strikes, or incompetence, usually from the California power companies. Instead of worrying about backyard barbecues, which, at worst, would burn down just one person’s house, how about dealing with the aforementioned causes, along with making sure the fire hydrants work, the reservoirs are filled and working, the emergency response is operational, and that the foliage is properly maintained?
I can just see it now: the Los Angeles Police, including the SWAT team, swarming in because someone is throwing a backyard barbecue party for those of his family and friends who haven’t yet been stabbed by some homeless junkie.