Report: LAFD Didn't Adequately Inspect Hazardous Sites

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A state report says the Los Angeles Fire Department failed to properly inspect hundreds of hazardous sites across the city.

The report released Friday by the California Environmental Protection Agency said city fire inspectors were cited for 19 deficiencies.

They included failure to properly visit all of the chemical factories, gas stations, laboratories and other storage facilities that house dangerous substances. In some cases, the city failed to properly ensure some hazardous waste handlers were testing for leaks and other dangerous conditions.

The report says state officials may assign inspection duties elsewhere if the department can't enforce state regulations on toxic materials within the city limits.

Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas said in a statement that the department is taking steps to "correct these mistakes."

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