10 (60)Date:2/3/2026 6:04:50 AM
From:"Rick Moyer"
To:
"Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheim.net, "Kristen Maahs" KMaahs@anaheim.net, "Carlos A. Le on"
CLeon@anaheim.net, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheim.net, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurtz@anahe im.ne t, "Natalie
Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheim.net, "Public Comment" publiccomment@anahe im.ne t, "Natalie Meeks"
NMeeks@anaheim.net
Subject:[EXTERNAL] Death Traps
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Dear Mayor Aitken and Anaheim City Council Members:
Why do people die in their cars during wildfire evacuations? Let’s ask AI:
“People die in their cars during wildfire evacuations primarily because they become trapped by fast-moving flames in, or get stuck in, dense traffic
on narrow escape routes, leading to asphyxiation from smoke inhalation or extreme heat exposure. The intense heat—up to 1,500°F—can cause
vehicles to catch fire, melt, or fail mechanically, leaving occupants helpless.
Key reasons for fatalities in vehicles during wildfire evacuations include:
Trapped in Traffic Jams: In major disasters like the 2018 Camp Fire and 2023 Lahaina Fire, limited, narrow roads became congested,
preventing escape and making vehicles sitting ducks for advancing flames.
Delayed Evacuation: Many victims wait too long to leave, attempting to flee only when the fire has already reached their location, turning
routes into death traps.
Smoke and Heat Inhalation: When fires overtake a road, the air becomes filled with smoke and poisonous gases, which are more likely
to cause death than fire itself.
Vehicle Failure: Extreme heat can cause engines to fail, electronics to break down, and tires to melt, leaving drivers stranded.
Disorientation: Dense smoke can make it impossible to see the road, causing drivers to drive off-road or abandon their cars in panic.
While staying in the car is generally considered safer than running, it becomes fatal when the vehicle is directly consumed by the fire front.”
You all know that traffic in Anaheim Hills is already congested and there is no immediate remedy for the freeway cutters. The fire evacuation during
the 2017 fire was a total failure, highlighted by ABSOLUTE GRIDLOCK. No measures have been implemented to prevent gridlock from
occurring again during the next fire evacuation and Councilwoman Meeks admits there is no way to test the current evacuation plan proposal. I
understand that, according to Mayor Aitken, the Festival Center housing development is not necessary for Anaheim to meet its housing
requirements so there is no justifiable reason to approve any high-density development in Anaheim Hills other than to pacify a developer. Please do
the right thing and just say no to the Festival Center. Sincerely, Rick.
--
Dr. Rick Moyer