Federal prosecutors have issued a subpoena to the Los Angeles Fire Department, seeking firefighters’ text messages and communications regarding the Lachman brushfire that occurred on January 1. This fire reignited six days later into the massive Palisades fire, causing significant destruction. According to an internal memo, the subpoena, issued by the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles, is part of an ongoing criminal investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The Palisades fire, one of the most destructive in Los Angeles history, resulted in the deaths of 12 people and the destruction of thousands of homes and businesses. The investigation has already led to the arrest of Jonathan Rinderknecht, a former resident of Pacific Palisades, who is accused of deliberately starting the initial fire. Rinderknecht has pleaded not guilty to charges including arson and destruction of property by means of fire.
The Los Angeles Times reported that text messages among firefighters revealed concerns about leaving the Lachman fire site while it was still smoldering. Despite these concerns, a battalion chief reportedly ordered the firefighters to leave. The subpoena seeks all communications related to reports of fire, smoke, or hotspots between December 31 and January 7.
The fire department has not commented on the subpoena or the text messages but maintains that all necessary measures were taken to ensure the fire was extinguished. Following the publication of the story, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass instructed interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva to investigate the incident further. Critics have called for an independent inquiry.
The subpoena’s connection to Rinderknecht’s case remains unclear, but the investigation continues to unfold as federal authorities seek to understand the events leading to the catastrophic Palisades fire.
Recent Comments