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Bass calls for investigation into LAFD handling of fire that reignited to become the devastating Palisades Fire
An image taken from a helicopter shows smoke from the Palisades Fire on Saturday, Jan. 11.
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Myung J. Chun
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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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Topline:
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass has called for an investigation into how the Los Angeles Fire Department handled the Lachman Fire, which later reignited and became the Palisades Fire in January. Bass' request for an investigation was first reported by the Los Angeles Times.
The background: Federal prosecutors allege that Jonathan Rinderknecht, who had been driving for a ride-sharing app, started the Lachman Fire in the early hours of New Year’s Day. The charging document said that “unbeknownst to anyone, the fire continued to smolder and burn underground, within the root structure of dense vegetation.” When hot, dry winds began to blow about a week later, the fire was reawakened.
The context: The L.A. Times reported earlier this week that text messages show firefighters on the Lachman Fire could still see material smoldering when they were told by a superior on Jan. 2 to wrap things up.
The case: Rinderknecht pleaded not guilty earlier this month to federal charges of one count of destruction of property by means of fire, one count of arson affecting property used in interstate commerce and one count of setting timber afire. He was extradited from Florida to California. “Why are they blaming him for whatever the Fire Department didn't do?" Rindernecht’s lawyer asked at a recent news conference.
Spotlight on the LAFD: The scrutiny of the Lachman Fire response comes as the L.A. Fire Department has faced criticism of its handling of the Palisades Fire. An internal report released by the department found lapses in communication, training and preparedness. Bass also recently announced that a longtime LAFD deputy chief would be promoted to the role of chief. Bass fired the previous chief, Kristen Crowley.
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