Readers React: If the Cajon Pass fire happened in the Sepulveda Pass

To the editor: Fortunately, the terrifying blaze last week in the Cajon Pass that destroyed homes and cars on the 15 Freeway did not kill anyone. People were able to flee their vehicles and the freeway inferno. (“Flames sweep over freeway; motorists run for their lives,” July 18

But what if a fire had occurred in the Sepulveda Pass, where massive retaining and sound-dampening walls have been built on either side of the 405 Freeway? In parts of the Sepulveda Pass, there is no way to get off the freeway in a deadly fire or an earthquake. The situation is extremely dangerous, as we saw from the wreckage left by the Cajon inferno.

Those of us who live in the Sepulveda Pass area have taken issue with these sound walls that create an acoustical amplification of freeway noise day and night and have made our once bucolic hillside homes almost unlivable. Driving through the once scenic pass, we now feel like so many rats in a maze.

Now we have another terrifying issue to contend with. How do we escape?

Francine Oschin, Encino

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To the editor: In recent weeks — including, most recently, during the fire in the Cajon Pass — drones have prevented or delayed firefighters in their efforts to protect lives and property.

Is there no ordinance to cover this issue? City, county and state officials should address this problem immediately.

Give our firefighters a fighting chance. Drones need to be extinguished during emergencies.

Laura Scully, Long Beach

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