As of yesterday, at least 25 people have been killed in the Los Angeles fires.  It has been more than a week that the fires have been burning.  So far, more than 40,000 acres (about the size of Brooklyn, NY) have been destroyed along with more than 12,000 structures.

            As of Wednesday morning the Palisades fire was only 18% contained.  There is a lot of firefighting left to do there while working to extinguish other fires in the county.

            The number of firefighters fighting the fires, in several different locations, has gone from 1,500 a week ago to 15,000 today.  The images of the devastation of homes and entire communities are heartbreaking.

            What started the fires?  Was the emergency response hampered in any way?  Was a nearby reservoir empty for repairs causing a water shortage for firefighters?  What was the backup plan to provide water in that area in the case of emergencies?  Were prudent forestry practices in place and being executed?

            There is plenty of blame and finger-pointing going on right now but everyone needs to put a hold on that while those flames are still spreading along with the death and destruction they bring.

            There is a time for response and responsibility.  Right now focus needs to be put on the response to the disaster.  Do the best for the victims and put the fires out.  People need a place to stay along with a host of other needs.  Give the firefighters what they need to do their job.

            Then, focus on what or who is responsible for the fires; the magnitude of the disaster and how it grew so quickly; the reaction of emergency services at the beginning and during ongoing efforts; the planning in place for such a disaster; and other contingencies.  There is so much more.  This will take time but time shouldn't be an excuse to let this disaster fade into history without answers.

            It is important to remember that leadership matters and in times of disaster, it can be the main thing that matters.

            Just yesterday, four more people were arrested trying to set fires in the area.  That is in addition to one caught earlier this week trying to set another fire in the area.

            According to LAist, public officials in L.A. are encouraging people who want to help to donate to specific, well-vetted organizations and funds. These include: California Community Foundation's Wildfire Recovery Fund at calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund; American Red Cross at redcross.org/donate/donation.html/?donamt=0; or Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation at supportlafd.kindful.com/?campaign=1040812.

            If you'd rather donate to a specific individual or family, GoFundMe has set up a dedicated page at gofundme.com/c/act/wildfire-relief/california where you can donate to SoCal fire victims, first responders and others through their separate fundraising accounts.

            There is a proper time for everything.  Right now it's response, then responsibility.