During a recent Riverside City Council meeting, community members voiced concerns regarding the city's response to a significant fire incident, highlighting a perceived lack of adequate resources and timely action from emergency services. Residents Joanne Schneider and Karen Emery recounted their experiences during the fire, expressing frustration over the absence of firefighters and emergency vehicles in their neighborhoods, despite being close to a fire station. Schneider noted that while she and her husband attempted to protect their property, they saw minimal firefighting efforts, with only a few water drops from helicopters.

Emery echoed these sentiments, stating that despite multiple calls to 911, there was no ground response, and the streets were congested with onlookers, complicating evacuation efforts. Mark Kelcher, another resident, shared that his neighbor had to take action to protect their home, as they received no assistance from the fire department during the critical moments of the fire.

In response to these testimonies, several council members acknowledged the need for a thorough review of the city's emergency response protocols. Council member Melissa McKee suggested forming an after-action committee to evaluate the fire response, emphasizing the importance of learning from the incident to prevent future occurrences.

Additionally, the meeting featured discussions on various community events, including upcoming backpack giveaways for students and a national night out aimed at fostering community engagement. Council members also highlighted the importance of local businesses and community initiatives, such as the Latina Empowerment Day event at the University of California, Riverside.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from city officials to address the concerns raised by residents and to ensure that the city is better prepared for future emergencies. The council plans to review the fire response and explore improvements to resource allocation and emergency preparedness.