Anonymous Letter Demands Independent Probe into Deadly Palisades Fire

Anonymous Letter's Claims

• ✉️ An anonymous letter, reportedly from current and former high-level LAFD officials, calls for an independent investigation into the Palisades Fire.
• 🚫 The authors state they have no faith in the LA City Fire Department to investigate itself, deeming the department's after-action report untrustworthy.
• ❓ Concerns are raised that officials who made decisions during the fire also supervised the department's own report.

The Lockman and Palisades Fires

• 🔥 The letter addresses both the New Year's Day "Lockman Fire" and the subsequent "Palisades Fire," which likely evolved from it.
• ⚠️ A key concern mentioned is that firefighters were allegedly told to pull out of an area despite the ground still smoldering, a decision firefighters felt was a bad idea.

Official Response and Investigation

• 🗣️ Mayor Karen Bass confirmed that an independent investigation is already in the works, with a full report expected in a few months.
• 🏛️ The Mayor emphasized the need for significant change within the department.
• 📰 The LAFD has declined to comment on the anonymous letter.
• 🆕 An investigation into recent reporting about the Locklin Fire will occur under the next Fire Chief, who is being considered by the City Council.