Death Toll Highlights Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Communities
The Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires burning across Los Angeles County have exposed severe shortcomings in emergency response systems for disabled residents. Among the 27 confirmed deaths, several victims had disabilities or mobility issues, including former child star Rory Callum Sykes and Altadena resident Anthony Mitchell. The fires have forced disabled residents to navigate evacuation challenges without adequate support, from power outages turning off crucial medical equipment to inaccessible emergency shelters. First responders and disability advocates point to systematic failures in disaster preparedness that leave disabled individuals particularly vulnerable.
5 Key Points
- UN data shows disabled people face 2-4 times higher mortality rates during natural disasters.
- Multiple victims, including Rory Callum Sykes and Anthony Mitchell, had documented mobility issues.
- Emergency shelters often lack proper accessibility accommodations.
- Power outages turn off critical medical equipment and elevators.
- The Disability and Disaster Hotline (1-800-626-4959) provides specialized emergency support.
Critical Infrastructure Failures Led to Multiple Deaths
Jo-Marie Lawrence’s experience at a Burbank mall during a power outage exposed fundamental flaws in emergency preparedness for disabled individuals. The 32-year-old quadriplegic actor found herself stranded atop 70 stairs with another wheelchair user when elevators stopped working. “People were offering to carry us, but it was pretty steep. And we were like, ‘We don’t really know who you are or trust you,'” Lawrence said. Mall employees had no evacuation protocol beyond waiting for firefighters to arrive.
Mortality Rate Reveals Systemic Issues
The deaths of several disabled residents during the LA wildfires highlighted the increased risks faced by vulnerable populations. Anthony Mitchell, 67, an amputee and wheelchair user, died alongside his son Justin, who had cerebral palsy, in their Altadena home. Former child star Rory Callum Sykes, 32, who was blind and had cerebral palsy, perished on January 8 when his mother couldn’t evacuate him from their Mount Malibu property. These deaths reflect UN data showing disabled individuals face mortality rates two to four times higher than the general population during natural disasters.
Individual Stories Reveal Systemic Failures
In Altadena, Anthony Mitchell, 67, and his son Justin became tragic examples of how disabilities can compound disaster risks. Mitchell, an amputee who used a wheelchair, was found deceased by his son’s bed. Justin, who had cerebral palsy, also perished in the fire. Their deaths particularly affected Mitchell’s daughter, Hajime White, who learned of the tragedy from Arkansas authorities.
The Mount Malibu TV Studios estate became the site of another devastating loss when Rory Callum Sykes, 32, died on January 8. Sykes, a former child star from Australia who was born blind and had cerebral palsy, lived in a cottage on the property. His mother, Shelley Sykes, desperately tried to save him but faced multiple obstacles. With a broken arm limiting her ability to lift her son and the property’s water switched off, she couldn’t combat the encroaching flames. Her attempts to call 911 went unanswered during the crisis.
The fire claimed more victims in Altadena, including 56-year-old Carolyn Burns, who was bedridden. The medical examiner’s report confirmed Burns died from smoke inhalation and “thermal injuries” in her home. Another Altadena resident, 84-year-old Zhi Feng Zhao, who struggled with mobility and vision issues, also perished in his residence.
Daily Challenges Amplified During Crisis
For Jo-Marie Lawrence, a 32-year-old quadriplegic actor, the wildfires created cascading complications. After being rescued from a powerless mall in Burbank, she faced another crisis when her caregiver arrived in panic the following day. “I can’t just get up and run. I can’t just grab my favorite items. I need to get my medical supplies that are very necessary for me to function throughout the night,” Lawrence explained. Her situation highlighted a common problem: many disabled residents rely on part-time caregivers who may be unavailable during emergencies.
Kristen Lopez, a disabled author in North Hollywood, prepared for evacuation with her mother, who serves as her caretaker. They monitored Sunset Fire’s progress on the Watch Duty app and were ready to leave even before receiving official evacuation orders. While Lopez successfully packed everything except wall art, she acknowledged her fortunate position of having live-in support. “No one’s coming to save me. I’m well aware of that,” she reflected on what her situation would be like living alone.
FAQ
Q: Can I file a lawsuit if I or a loved one were harmed in a wildfire caused by negligence?
A: Legal options may be available if you or a loved one suffered injuries or loss of life in a wildfire caused by negligence. Contact our legal experts to learn about your rights and start a free, confidential case review.
Q: How much higher is the mortality rate for disabled people during natural disasters?
A: According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, disabled people face a mortality rate 2-4 times higher than the general population during natural disasters.
Q: What emergency resources are available specifically for disabled people during wildfires?
A: The Disability and Disaster Hotline (1-800-626-4959), run by The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies (PIDS), provides specialized assistance. The hotline connects disabled people with emergency management services, helps coordinate medical equipment transfers between shelters, and assists with evacuation planning.
Q: What are the main challenges disabled people face during wildfire evacuations?
A: Key challenges include difficulty navigating multi-level buildings without power, maintaining access to essential medical equipment and medications, finding accessible shelter spaces, managing service animals, dealing with air quality issues, and coordinating with caregivers unavailable during emergencies.
Q: What should disabled individuals include in their emergency preparedness plans?
A: Emergency plans should include essential medical supplies, medications, catheters, and equipment. June Kailes, a disability policy consultant, recommends arranging with a trusted neighbor to help with evacuation, as first responders may not arrive in time during catastrophic events.
Q: How are local governments addressing the emergency response gap for disabled residents?
A: According to Marcie Roth, former director of FEMA’s Office of Disability Integration and Coordination, work is underway to utilize technology and AI to improve information sharing. However, significant gaps remain in emergency response systems, and governments must better explain these limitations to the public.
Q: What immediate actions should disabled individuals take when wildfires threaten their area?
A: Disabled individuals should monitor local emergency alerts, pack essential medical supplies and equipment, coordinate with caregivers or support networks early, and consider evacuating before receiving official orders if they require extra time to relocate safely.
Citations
Mazzeo, Esme (January 18, 2025). As the LA wildfires have shown, people with disabilities often have to fend for themselves. CNN via MSN. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/as-the-la-wildfires-have-shown-people-with-disabilities-often-have-to-fend-for-themselves/ar-AA1xqmOI
