Mayor Bass Demands Lachman Fire Probe

Mayor Karen Bass has called for a thorough investigation into the Los Angeles Fire Department’s handling of the Jan. 1 Lachman Fire after The Los Angeles Times reported that firefighters were ordered to leave smoldering terrain on Jan. 2 despite crew warnings. Federal investigators say the blaze smoldered underground and reignited amid strong winds on Jan. 7, erupting into the Palisades Fire that killed 12 and destroyed more than 6,800 structures and scorched over 23,000 acres across Pacific Palisades, Malibu and Topanga. Prosecutors have charged Jonathan Rinderknecht with starting the original Lachman blaze, and he has pleaded not guilty. In a letter to Interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva, Bass said a full accounting of the Lachman response is essential and urged a “thorough investigation” to inform reforms, including stronger pre-deployment protocols, improved interagency coordination, upgraded communications technology and expanded training. The reporting and expected probe have intensified scrutiny of LAFD communication and preparedness and become a flashpoint in next year’s mayoral race, with residents and political opponents demanding accountability.