Days before the devastating Palisades fire, firefighters were ordered to leave a smoldering burn site in Pacific Palisades, despite concerns that the area was still hot. According to text messages reviewed by the Los Angeles Times, firefighters alerted their battalion chief on January 2 that the ground was smoldering, but were told to pack up and leave. The initial fire, known as the Lachman fire, was believed to be contained on New Year’s Day, but reignited on January 7, fueled by strong winds. This blaze resulted in the deaths of 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes in Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Topanga.
Federal authorities have charged Jonathan Rinderknecht with arson for allegedly starting the January 1 fire. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) declined to comment on the text messages but maintained that they believed the fire was extinguished. Interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva stated that the subsequent blaze was due to an “undetectable holdover fire” burning underground. Despite having thermal imaging technology, the LAFD did not use it, believing the fire was fully out.
Residents and city leaders have criticized the handling of the fire, questioning why more resources were not deployed given the forecasted windstorm. City Councilmember Traci Park expressed concerns about the lack of precautionary measures. The incident has led to numerous lawsuits and a federal inquiry into the response to the fire.
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