"The Los Angeles Fire Department has failed to properly inspect hundreds of hazardous sites scattered across the city, exposing the public to increased risks from potential spills and mishandling of toxic substances, according to a state report released Friday.

The 24-page study, written by the California Environmental Protection Agency, reviewed how the Fire Department enforces state regulations on toxic materials within the city limits.

'Their program has fallen apart,' said Jim Bohon, head of the Cal/EPA unit that conducted the review. 'They are failing in environmental management in a very gross way.'"

Ben Welsh reports for the Los Angeles Times February 27, 2015. [2]