The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reportedly knew about firefighter complaints regarding the Lachman fire mop-up but did not disclose this information. On January 2, firefighters were ordered to pack up and leave the scene despite concerns that the ground was still smoking and rocks were hot. This decision may have contributed to the reignition of the fire on January 7, leading to the massive Palisades fire that resulted in 12 deaths and the destruction of thousands of homes.
According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, the LAFD’s after-action report on the Palisades fire did not include details about the firefighter complaints or the Lachman fire’s role in the subsequent blaze. Despite victims seeking answers, the department did not make these findings public.
Interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva, who took over after Chief Kristin Crowley was removed, stated that firefighters had cold-trailed the Lachman fire area, but records to confirm this were not provided. The LAFD is now under investigation, with a federal grand jury subpoena issued for firefighter communications regarding the Lachman fire.
The LAFD’s After-Action Review Report was released in October, following the arrest of Jonathan Rinderknecht, who is accused of deliberately setting the Lachman fire. The report aims to improve future wildfire response, but critics demand an independent inquiry into the LAFD’s handling of the situation.
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