Overview
- City Councilmember Nithya Raman introduced a motion this week to have officials examine emergency limits on open flames during Red Flag Warnings, which are high wildfire risk periods.
- Her proposal asked the city to consider curbs on backyard barbecues, fire pits, and other residential open flames to reduce the chance of wind-driven fires.
- Councilmember Monica Rodriguez countered with a separate motion that removed the barbecue restriction language, which halted any move toward grilling limits.
- Mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt seized on the backlash with a viral “Come and take it” grilling video that mocked the idea and fueled campaign messaging.
- Rodriguez urged a shift in focus to fires linked to homeless encampments, citing Los Angeles Fire Department data on roughly 33,000 such responses last year, as the June 2 mayoral primary nears.