Los Angeles Fire Department Review Under Scrutiny After Devastating Wildfire
Los Angeles – The Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) is facing questions regarding the handling and review of the Palisades Fire, a wildfire that caused significant damage in January 2025.
During a recent Fire Commission meeting, LAFD Chief Jaime Moore acknowledged that the after-action analysis of the Palisades Fire had been altered. Moore stated that the changes were made before he became the Fire Chief.
“It is now clear that multiple drafts were edited to soften language and reduce explicit criticism of the department leadership in that final report,” Moore said.
The Palisades Fire was one of the most destructive in California’s recent history, and the need for an honest and thorough review is clear. Questions have been raised about whether the initial response to a smaller brush fire, known as the Lachman Fire, was handled correctly. Concerns have been voiced that the fire was not completely put out, and this may have contributed to the later, more destructive Palisades Fire.
According to reports, fire companies were told to pick up their hoses, with the belief that the fire was fully extinguished. This decision, made based on the information and procedures available at the time, is now under scrutiny.
Adding to the controversy, an anonymous letter sent to city officials claimed that the after-action report was not thorough because it was supervised by some of the same fire officials who made decisions during the fire itself. This raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and whether the review was truly independent.
The events surrounding the Palisades Fire highlight the importance of accountability and transparency in government agencies. When a disaster like this occurs, the public deserves to know that a thorough and honest investigation will take place, and that lessons will be learned to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The focus now should be on ensuring that the LAFD takes steps to address the concerns raised about the Palisades Fire review. This includes making sure that future investigations are conducted with complete independence and that all findings are shared with the public.
Chief Moore has stated that the department has already made changes to its procedures. These include new methods for making sure fires are completely extinguished and using drone technology to check for any remaining heat.
Moving forward, it’s important for city leaders and the LAFD to show a commitment to protecting the community. This includes ensuring that the department has the resources it needs to respond effectively to fires and that its leaders are held accountable for their decisions.
