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LA firefighter testifies his concerns over Lachman Fire cleanup ‘fell on deaf ears’
A helicopter flies over homes threatened by the wind-driven Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades.
(
David Swanson
/
AFP via Getty Images
)
Topline:
A Los Angeles firefighter, Scott Pike, said in a sworn testimony that he voiced concerns about the Lachman Fire cleanup, but that they were dismissed by a fire captain days before those embers ignited the Palisades Fire.
Why now: The deposition was taken last month and released Thursday by representatives of the thousands of families affected by last year’s Palisades Fire.
What else was said? Pike recalled stomping at an ash pit that revealed red, hot coals that were crackling. He used residual water from the hose he was picking up, but that wasn’t enough to extinguish the spot. Pike said his concerns “fell on deaf ears,” so he continued to follow orders to clear out the area. “I haven't seen anyone step up and take responsibility. None of my leaders, none of the city leaders, nobody,” Pike said. “I saw something. I said something, and to my best ability, I feel like we could've done more.”
The L.A. Fire Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The background: The Lachman Fire was started on New Year’s Day 2025 and was initially contained to 8 acres. Days later, as strong Santa Ana winds lashed across Southern California, the fire reignited and became the Palisades Fire, which burned 23,448 acres, destroyed more than 6,800 structures and killed 12 people.
Dig deeper … into LAist’s wildfire recovery coverage.
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