Patricia Heaton Criticizes LA Leadership Over Wildfire Response

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Actress Patricia Heaton, known for her role in “Everybody Loves Raymond,” has criticized California leadership for its handling of the recent wildfires that have devastated Los Angeles, destroying thousands of homes and businesses. Heaton, who has partnered with the LA Dream Center to assist affected residents, claimed officials “dropped the ball” in their response to the crisis.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Heaton expressed frustration over the lack of preparedness and questioned the allocation of taxpayer funds. “I know some of the officials were saying, ‘Well, the system was overwhelmed.’ Well, in case of a huge fire, of course it’s going to be overwhelmed,” she said. “You should know that and have been prepared for that. So, I think there’s a lot of money spent in L.A. and we can’t figure out where it’s going.”

The fires, which began on Jan. 7 with the Palisades Fire, have since spread across multiple areas of Los Angeles, fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds and exacerbated by the region’s prolonged drought. As of Jan. 13, the blazes have burned over 62 square miles, leaving 24 people dead and thousands displaced.

Heaton emphasized the need for better forestry management and infrastructure, including reservoirs filled with water. “It’s people coming together in your community and insisting on getting stuff done,” she said. “And sadly, this is a very, very, very harsh lesson.”

Heaton is not alone in her efforts to aid wildfire victims. Celebrities such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Chris Pratt have also contributed to relief efforts through donations to the LA Dream Center. Matthew Barnett, founder of the charity, praised the support, noting that even Snoop Dogg had used his platform to raise awareness.

While Heaton has relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, she remains connected to Los Angeles, where her four sons still live. She has opened her Nashville home to friends evacuating from the fires and believes the disaster may prompt more people to leave the city. “I have a feeling after this fire we’re going to get another huge amount … of talented, creative people who have decided, you know, they’ve had enough,” she said.

The LA Dream Center, typically focused on homelessness and hunger, has shifted its efforts to wildfire relief, providing essential support to those affected. Barnett highlighted the importance of community and celebrity advocacy in times of crisis, stating, “They’ve stepped up. They’ve showed up.”

As the fires continue to burn, the death toll and destruction serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Los Angeles and the need for improved disaster preparedness and response.