Los Angeles Fire Chief Jaime Moore admitted that the department's after-action report on the Palisades fire was intentionally watered down to protect leadership, with promises to prevent such editing in the future. The report's revisions downplayed failures in firefighting efforts and staffing decisions, raising concerns about transparency and accountability within the LAFD.
The author of the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Palisades fire after-action report refused to endorse the final version due to significant deletions and revisions that he believed compromised its integrity, raising concerns about transparency, accountability, and potential cover-ups in the department's handling of the fire.
The Los Angeles Fire Department faced criticism for its response to the Palisades fire, highlighting issues in resource management, outdated technology, and decision-making. Despite recent changes, experts and officials remain skeptical about the department's readiness for future wildfires, emphasizing the need for transparency, better training, and increased funding to improve wildfire response capabilities.
Los Angeles firefighters did not use thermal imaging technology to detect underground embers after a small fire on Jan. 1 in Pacific Palisades, which later rekindled into a devastating wildfire. Experts criticize this decision, highlighting that thermal imaging could have prevented the fire's resurgence. The incident has prompted reviews of firefighting protocols and deployment strategies, emphasizing the importance of technology and staffing in wildfire prevention and control.
Former LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley filed a legal claim against the city and Mayor Karen Bass, alleging defamation, retaliation, and unlawful actions following her dismissal after the city’s wildfire disasters, claiming her career was unjustly destroyed for speaking out about underfunding and staffing issues.
Over 100 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel rescued at least 31 workers after a tunnel collapse at an industrial wastewater project, with most workers safely exiting the site and being evaluated by paramedics. The rescue involved specialized confined space techniques, and the incident drew praise for first responders' quick action.
The California Highway Patrol has stated that the crash that killed LAFD recruit Jacob Fuerte on the 101 Freeway was not a hit-and-run as initially reported. New evidence revealed that Fuerte's car initially crashed into a portable toilet on the freeway lanes, and when he stepped out to investigate, an oncoming vehicle crashed into his parked Jeep, causing his death. No suspects or vehicles are unaccounted for, and no arrests have been made as the investigation continues. Fuerte, the son of a veteran firefighter/paramedic, was mourned by the LAFD and the city of Los Angeles.
A Los Angeles Fire Department recruit was killed on the 101 Freeway in Studio City while helping victims of an earlier crash. The crash involved a car, Jeep Wrangler, and a truck towing portable restrooms. The recruit, who was on his way to training, stopped to assist the victims and was likely struck by another vehicle during the process. The recruit's name has not been released, and a procession escorted his body to the coroner's office.
An LAFD recruit firefighter was fatally injured while rendering aid at a traffic collision on the northbound 101 Freeway in Studio City. Despite efforts to save him, the recruit died from his injuries. The identity of the recruit has not been disclosed, and a procession was held as his body was transported to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office. The incident led to the closure of lanes on the freeway for several hours, and details about a memorial service will be shared later.
A fire broke out at a Studio City home reportedly belonging to actress Cara Delevingne, resulting in two injuries, including one to a firefighter. The 6,650 square foot home suffered significant damage, with the cause of the fire remaining under investigation by the Los Angeles Fire Department. Delevingne was not present at the time of the incident, and one occupant sustained minor injuries from smoke inhalation.
A landslide in the posh Los Angeles neighborhood of Sherman Oaks damaged multiple homes, with one under construction collapsing completely. No injuries were reported, and several people were evacuated. The Los Angeles Fire Department used pumps to remove water from a swimming pool to alleviate stress on the hillside. The landslide may have been caused by heavy winter storms saturating the ground. Record rainfall earlier this year in Los Angeles led to multiple landslides and mudslides, causing damage to several multimillion dollar houses in the Hollywood Hills.
A large fire at a cannabis operation in downtown Los Angeles sent plumes of smoke towards the city, with 145 firefighters taking nearly an hour to extinguish the flames at the 69-year-old building. The structure, heavily damaged, housed the cannabis operation, and the legality of the business is yet to be determined. Four firefighters experienced burning sensations on their faces and were hospitalized, while two people were reported missing. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
After a compressed natural gas tank exploded in Wilmington, critically injuring two firefighters and hurting seven others, the Los Angeles Fire Department provided a positive update on their conditions. One critically injured firefighter has been discharged, while the other had his ventilator removed and is awake and talking. The remaining seven injured firefighters have also been discharged and will continue with medical appointments as needed. All are off duty due to their injuries.
Seven of the nine Los Angeles firefighters injured in a Wilmington explosion have been released from the hospital, while two remain hospitalized, one in stable but critical condition at the burn unit and the other for observation. The incident involved a semitruck's fuel tank cylinder containing compressed natural gas, and newly emerged dashcam footage showed the intensity of the blast. An extensive investigation is underway.
Nine Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters were injured, two critically, after an explosion involving a natural gas truck in the Wilmington area. The explosion occurred while firefighters were responding to a semi-truck fire running on compressed natural gas, resulting in burn, blast, and airway inhalation injuries. The incident prompted evacuations and hazardous material assessments, with one tank still emitting gas. The cause of the fire and explosion remains under investigation.
