Context:

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has called for an internal investigation by the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) regarding the response to the Lachman Fire, which reignited as the Palisades Fire days later. This demand arose after text messages indicated firefighters left a smoldering site, disregarding warnings about impending high winds. While Bass was abroad during the fire's resurgence, the LAFD's handling has faced scrutiny, especially as the community grapples with the consequences of the worst fire in the city’s history. Budget constraints and previous leadership decisions have compounded the situation, raising questions about the department's preparedness. Bass's request for an investigation lacks the push for an independent review, which some see as necessary for accountability.

Dive Deeper:

• The investigation demand followed the revelation that firefighters were instructed to leave the Lachman Fire site, where smoldering roots posed a risk of re-ignition, days before the Palisades Fire occurred on January 7.

• Text messages from the LAFD battalion chief indicated that firefighters rolled up their hoses on January 2, despite the presence of smoldering roots that later reignited in strong winds.

• During the Palisades Fire, Mayor Bass was in Africa on a trip with the outgoing Biden administration, despite having received warnings about the potential for extreme winds.

• Bass’s request for an investigation was directed to interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination of the LAFD's actions during the January wildfires.

• The previous LAFD Chief, Kristen Crowley, was dismissed earlier in the year partly due to decisions made regarding fire response, and her department faced budget cuts that limited overtime for firefighters.

• Concerns have been raised about the prioritization of funding, as Los Angeles allocates more resources to homeless services than to firefighting, despite homeless individuals contributing to a significant portion of fire incidents.