A class-action lawsuit is shedding new light on the origins of the devastating Palisades Fire, which ravaged Los Angeles earlier this year. The fire, one of the most destructive in the city’s history, burned 23,448 acres, destroyed approximately 6,800 structures, and resulted in the deaths of 12 people. It is believed to have originated from the Lachman Fire, allegedly set by former Uber driver Jonathan Rinderknecht on New Year’s Day.
According to FOX 11, the lawsuit, filed by 3,300 fire victims, suggests that the fire could have been prevented if state parks officials had ensured the Lachman Fire was fully extinguished. Attorney Roger Behle claims that state parks representatives restricted firefighters’ efforts by prohibiting the use of bulldozers and limiting access to certain areas due to protected plants. Behle argues that these restrictions allowed the fire to smolder underground, ultimately reigniting as the Palisades Fire when strong winds hit on January 7.
In response, California State Parks released a statement denying these allegations, asserting that they never hindered firefighting efforts and that the initial fire was deemed fully contained by the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) shortly after it started. The statement emphasized that firefighting decisions are made by the responding agency, not state parks officials.
Meanwhile, Rinderknecht, who is accused of starting the Lachman Fire, faces serious legal consequences. He was arrested in Florida and charged with multiple counts, including destruction of property by means of fire and arson affecting property used in interstate commerce. If convicted, he could face up to 45 years in prison. According to the Justice Department, Rinderknecht’s actions on New Year’s Eve, including taking videos at a hilltop area and listening to a rap song featuring fire, suggest premeditation.
Rinderknecht’s defense attorney, Steve Haney, argues that his client is being unfairly blamed for the fire, citing several “intervening factors” between the initial fire and the Palisades Fire. Haney contends that the LAFD’s response was inadequate, pointing to reports that firefighters were ordered to leave the area despite concerns that the ground was still smoldering. Haney has even suggested moving the trial out of Southern California to ensure a fair process.
The case has sparked significant controversy, with federal officials labeling the Palisades blaze as a “holdover fire” from the initial Lachman Fire. The fire’s persistence underground, fueled by dense vegetation, made it difficult to detect and extinguish completely. The Los Angeles interim fire chief acknowledged the challenges of such fires, which can linger in root systems and evade thermal imaging cameras.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the Palisades Fire continues to serve as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of wildfires and the complexities involved in determining accountability. The trial for Rinderknecht is scheduled for April 21, 2026, and the outcome could have significant implications for fire management practices and legal responsibilities in California.
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