The letter, described by one county source as "jaw-dropping," was delivered to OEM staff late Tuesday and was also sent to ABC7 On Your Side Investigates. Several people who work in or alongside the agency told Eyewitness News they either mostly or fully agree with the concerns outlined in the lengthy, detailed message.
The Eaton Fire burned thousands of homes and claimed 19 lives more than 18 months ago. The new letter, signed "on behalf of the 19 deceased," argues that the disaster exposed deep, longstanding problems inside the OEM.
"The failures witnessed during the Eaton Fire... were the foreseeable result of years of declining preparedness, inadequate planning, insufficient training, and leadership decisions that repeatedly failed to prioritize readiness," the anonymous author wrote.
The letter also criticizes the county-commissioned after-action report, calling it "an incomplete record" that "denies the victims of the disaster justice." It further claims "OEM leadership was given the opportunity to review the report prior to its release."
RELATED: After-action report on LA County January wildfires finds 'series of weaknesses'
Report on January wildfires finds 'series of weaknesses'
L.A. County declined an interview request but provided a written statement, saying "...it is standard practice for consultants to conduct a validation step in which draft findings and recommendations are reviewed with relevant stakeholders to confirm factual accuracy and ensure recommendations are practical..." The statement also said the county has been "transparent" about areas where the OEM needs improvement.
As 7 On Your Side Investigates has reported in the past, the agency has expanded its staff since the fire.
Still, the anonymous author argues that "before OEM receives major new staffing, funding, or facilities, the public deserves an independent examination of whether current leadership is capable of using those resources effectively and responsibly."
L.A. County says some of the concerns raised in the letter are already being reviewed as part of a second after-action assessment by the same agency that conducted the first.
Several county employees who spoke with Eyewitness News on the condition of anonymity described the letter as being anywhere from 90% to 100% accurate.
Because the letter is so highly-detailed, most of the sources who spoke with ABC7 believe it was written by someone inside the OEM. One county employee said they were amazed and thankful that someone had the courage to write it and send it out so widely.
SEE ALSO: Whistleblower complaint alleges emergency management employee slept during part of Eaton Fire
Complaint alleges OEM worker slept during part of Eaton Fire