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Torched - What really happened with the Palisades Fires with Jonathan Vigliotti
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A wildfire can look sudden on the evening news, but the real story often starts days or decades earlier. We sit down with CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti to talk about his book Torch and what he learned reporting from evacuation zones, burned communities, and alongside first responders during some of the worst fires in the American West. The Palisades Fire and the destruction tied to January 7, 2025 become a case study in how climate-driven extremes collide with policy failures and everyday human decisions.
We dig into the uncomfortable mechanics behind catastrophe: the role of controlled burns and fuel buildup, how “contained” fires can smolder underground, and why National Weather Service warnings about historic Santa Ana winds should trigger urgent, visible action. We also unpack leadership and emergency management questions that still hang over Los Angeles: unclear handoffs of authority, delayed coordination, and the kind of normalcy bias that makes even “bright red” forecasts feel optional.
Then we get personal about what these failures cost. Jonathan shares what it looked like on the ground as evacuation routes jammed, vulnerable residents struggled to move, and help arrived too late in too many places. He also tells the unforgettable story of turning back into the danger to rescue three trapped dogs, a moment that reframes “service” as a simple decision to say yes when it matters.
If you care about California wildfires, disaster preparedness, public records transparency, and accountability in government, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with someone who lives in a fire zone, and leave a review with the question you want answered next.
Stories of Service presents guests’ stories and opinions in their own words, reflecting their personal experiences and perspectives. While shared respectfully and authentically, the podcast does not independently verify all statements. Views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the host, producers, government agencies, or podcast affiliates.
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