The after-action report on the Palisades fire, which devastated Los Angeles, has come under scrutiny after Fire Chief Jaime Moore admitted it was edited to soften criticism of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) leadership.
The report, initially drafted by Battalion Chief Kenneth Cook, was altered before its release, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the report was sent to Mayor Karen Bass’ office for “refinements” months before its public release. Fire Commission President Genethia Hudley Hayes revealed that interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva had sent a draft to the mayor’s office, where unspecified changes were requested. The report, intended to outline the LAFD’s response failures, was found to have undergone significant revisions, including the removal of critical language regarding deployment decisions during the fire.
Cook, the report’s author, declined to endorse the final version, calling it “highly unprofessional” and inconsistent with established standards. His concerns were echoed by Fire Chief Moore, who assured that such edits would not occur under his leadership. The report’s modifications have sparked questions about the mayor’s involvement and the LAFD’s ability to acknowledge its mistakes.
AOL News reported that the mayor’s office claimed not to have demanded changes, stating that the LAFD wrote and edited the report. However, the report’s alterations have led to public outcry, with city officials and residents calling for greater transparency. City Councilmember Traci Park emphasized the need for an independent investigation to rebuild public trust.
The Palisades fire, which occurred on January 7, resulted in the deaths of 12 people and the destruction of numerous homes. The controversy surrounding the report highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring accountability and preventing future disasters.
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