Los Angeles Firefighter Alleges Warnings of Hotspots Disregarded Before Deadly Palisades Fire

A Los Angeles firefighter has provided sworn testimony alleging that his warnings regarding unextinguished hotspots at the Lachman fire were disregarded days before the blaze re-ignited into the deadly Palisades fire. This testimony is part of a lawsuit filed by fire victims against the city and state, which also includes conflicting accounts from other firefighters and internal communications from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).

"His warnings regarding unextinguished hotspots at the Lachman fire were disregarded days before the blaze re-ignited into the deadly Palisades fire."

Firefighter's Observations and Testimony

Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) veteran Scott Pike, with 23 years of service, testified in a lawsuit initiated by Palisades fire victims. Pike stated that on January 2, while assigned to collect hoses from the Lachman fire scene, he observed approximately five areas that were still smoking. He noted one ash pit was hot, containing "red hot coals" that were still smoldering and crackling, which he reportedly kicked with his boot.

Pike testified that he reported these observations to other firefighters and a captain at the scene. He indicated that his concerns were largely disregarded and clarified that it was not his role to overstep the captain's authority.

Timeline of the Lachman and Palisades Fires

The Lachman fire began shortly after midnight on New Year's Day and was declared fully contained at eight acres hours later. Fire crews departed the scene on January 2. Five days later, on January 7, high winds caused embers from the Lachman fire to reignite.

"On January 7, high winds caused embers from the Lachman fire to reignite. This re-ignition led to the Palisades fire, which destroyed parts of Pacific Palisades and resulted in 12 fatalities."

Conflicting Accounts and Internal Communications

Pike's testimony aligns with previous reports suggesting a battalion chief ordered crews to leave despite indications the Lachman fire was not fully extinguished. However, 11 other firefighters deposed in the same lawsuit testified that the Lachman fire was out and they did not observe hot spots. LAFD officials, including then-Fire Chief Kristin Crowley and Chief Deputy Joe Everett, initially asserted that the Lachman fire was "dead out."

Text messages reported by The Times indicated that on January 2, the ground at the Lachman fire scene was still smoldering and rocks were hot. One firefighter reportedly texted that a battalion chief was advised it was a "bad idea" to leave due to visible smoking terrain.

"One firefighter reportedly texted that a battalion chief was advised it was a 'bad idea' to leave due to visible smoking terrain."

LAFD Chief Deputy Phillip Fligiel discussed mop-up plans, and on January 2, Battalion Chief Mario Garcia texted Fligiel and Everett, stating, "All hose and equipment has been picked up." The battalion chief on duty during the Lachman fire mop-up has denied receiving verbal or text warnings about hot spots.

The Lawsuit and Allegations

Victims of the Palisades fire filed a lawsuit against the city and the state government, which owns Topanga State Park. Plaintiffs allege that the state failed to inspect the burn scar between the two fires to ensure no dangerous conditions remained on its property. Attorneys for the plaintiffs argue that while the LAFD was responsible for extinguishing the initial fire, the state should have monitored the burn scar more closely.

"Plaintiffs allege that the state failed to inspect the burn scar between the two fires to ensure no dangerous conditions remained on its property."

California State Parks representatives reportedly testified that their initial concerns focused on the fire's location on parkland and potential harm to endangered plants and artifacts. City attorneys initially blocked the release of Pike's testimony and the testimonies of 11 other firefighters.

Ongoing Investigations

Following an October 30 report by The Times, Mayor Karen Bass directed Fire Chief Jaime Moore to commission an independent investigation into the LAFD's handling of the Lachman fire. Chief Moore has initiated an internal investigation through the LAFD's Professional Standards Division and requested the Fire Safety Research Institute to include the Lachman fire in its analysis of January’s wildfires. The L.A. City Council also hired an outside firm to examine both fires.

"Pike stated he was never interviewed for the LAFD's after-action review report, which reportedly barely mentioned the earlier fire."