A week after fires broke out in the Los Angeles area, Californians are grappling with the widespread destruction.

They’re also seeking answers from their leaders about why so much has been lost.

Mike Baker and Christopher Flavelle, who have been covering the fires, discuss the authorities’ response and whether some of the devastation could have been avoided.

Guests: 

• Mike Baker, a national reporter for The New York Times.
• Christopher Flavelle, a reporter for The New York Times.

Background reading: 

• Some Pacific Palisades residents said the community had long asked for more detailed fire preparation plans.
• The L.A. fires show the limits of America’s efforts to cope with climate change.
• How Los Angeles firefighters ran out of water.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

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