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New LAFD chief says he supports probing department's handling of fire that became Palisades Fire
Flames close in on homes threatened by the wind-driven Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades on Jan. 7.
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David Swanson
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Topline:
Newly tapped L.A. Fire Department Chief Jamie Moore says he supports a full investigation into how LAFD handled the Lachman Fire. Moore made the comments during a meeting of the L.A. City Council's Public Safety Committee on Wednesday.
What he said: "Recent media attention surrounding the January wildfires has created understandable mistrust, and it must be addressed directly. I fully support Mayor Bass' request for an independent investigation into the Los Angeles Fire Department's response to the Lachman Fire, recognizing that transparency and accountability are vital to ensure that we learn from every incident and it is essential if we are to restore confidence in our fire department."
Why it matters: Mayor Karen Bass called for a full investigation into the Lachman Fire last month. LAFD has been criticized for its handling of the Palisades Fire, particularly following an internal report the department released, which found lapses in communication, training and preparedness.
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Why now: Mayor Bass has tapped Moore, a 30-year LAFD veteran, to be the new chief of LAFD in October. The move came months after Bass fired former chief Kristin Crowley over the department's response to the Palisades Fire.
The backstory: The Lachman Fire, which started on New Year's Day 2025, was initially contained to 8 acres by helicopters and hand crews. The L.A. Times reports that LAFD firefighters told a battalion chief on Jan. 2 that the fire still was smoldering, but text messages showed they were told to leave anyway. Days later, as strong Santa Ana winds lashed the burn site, the fire reignited and became the Palisades Fire. It destroyed thousands of structures and left a dozen people dead.
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