Fire lessons

Re “L.A. sees fire hazard by freeways,” April 23

Less than two years ago, a fire started beside the 118 Freeway near Topanga Boulevard and went under the freeway through a grass-filled drainage ditch. Forty-eight hours later, after two homes were lost, 25,000 acres burned, hundreds of anxious residents evacuated from their homes, firefighters risking their lives and at a cost of millions of dollars, the fire was put out. What could be a greater priority for Caltrans than to ensure that this scenario does not repeat itself this year?

ERIC OLSON

Chatsworth Lake Manor