Full Breakdown
Allegations of Negligence in the Lachman Fire's Aftermath
2/27/2026, 12:46:54 PM
Firefighter Testimony Raises Concerns About Lachman Fire Management
In a recent lawsuit filed by victims of the devastating Palisades fire against the City of Los Angeles and the State of California, firefighter Scott Pike has testified that the Lachman fire was not fully extinguished when crews were ordered to leave the scene on January 2, 2025. Pike, a 23-year veteran of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), reported observing five areas still smoking and expressed concern to his captain, who dismissed his warnings. This decision is now under scrutiny as it is believed to have contributed to the rekindling of the fire into the catastrophic Palisades fire just days later, which resulted in the destruction of thousands of homes and the loss of 12 lives.
Background of the Lachman Fire
The Lachman fire ignited shortly after midnight on New Year’s Day 2025 and was reported fully contained by the LAFD by 4:46 a.m. the same day, covering an area of eight acres. However, Pike's testimony indicates that despite the official declaration of containment, there were still smoldering hot spots at the site. Text messages from firefighters corroborate Pike's claims, revealing that concerns about the fire's status were communicated but ultimately ignored.
Official Statements & Responses
LAFD officials have maintained that the Lachman fire was completely extinguished, with Fire Chief Kristin Crowley asserting, “We won’t leave a fire that has any hot spots.” However, Pike's testimony contradicts this assertion, as he described the scene with “red hot coals” still smoldering. Following the Palisades fire, LAFD Battalion Chief Mario Garcia communicated that all equipment had been picked up, despite the warnings from Pike and others.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the LAFD's handling of the Lachman fire, including attorney Alex Robertson, argue that the failure to adequately monitor the burn scar by both the LAFD and the California State Parks contributed to the conditions that allowed the Palisades fire to ignite. They contend that the state should have taken more proactive measures to ensure safety in the area following the Lachman fire.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Pike's testimony highlights serious concerns about the management of the Lachman fire, other firefighters deposed in the lawsuit have stated that they did not observe any hot spots or smoldering areas. This discrepancy raises questions about the overall assessment of the fire's status and the decision-making processes within the LAFD.
What's Next
In light of these allegations, LAFD Chief Jaime Moore has initiated an internal investigation into the handling of the Lachman fire. Additionally, an independent review by the Fire Safety Research Institute has been commissioned to analyze the events surrounding both the Lachman and Palisades fires. The outcome of these investigations may have significant implications for fire management protocols in California.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That fire was dead out,” — Chief Deputy Joe Everett, LAFD
- “Only one of the firefighters we deposed had the courage to tell the truth — that his fellow firefighters and captain ignored his warnings that the fire had not been fully extinguished,” — Alex Robertson, Attorney for Palisades Fire Victims
