Palisades Fire: California State Parks' "Let It Burn" Policy Under Scrutiny

State Park Wildfire Mitigation Plan

• 📜 Newly obtained state documents reveal California State Parks' wildfire mitigation plan, which includes a preference to "let Topanga State Park burn" in a wildfire event to restore natural fire frequency.
• ⚠️ This policy, outlined in a plan for Topanga State Park, has raised questions about the state's role in the devastating Palisades Fire.

The Palisades Fire Incident

• 🔥 The Palisades Fire, initially known as the Lochman Fire, scorched over 23,000 acres in California.
• 🚒 After firefighters declared the initial fire contained, it rekindled six days later, leading to significant destruction and loss of life.
• ❓ A key question remains why the initial fire was not fully extinguished, especially given evidence of smoldering embers observed by hikers.

Restrictions on Firefighting Efforts

• 🗺️ State park representatives were reportedly on scene, directing firefighters and providing maps.
• 🚫 Firefighters reported being told they could not enter certain areas due to protected plant species and that heavy equipment like bulldozers could not be used in these "avoidance areas."
• 🏛️ This contradicts the Governor's office's repeated statements of not being responsible for responding to or monitoring the fire, according to victim attorneys.

State Parks' Response

• 💬 California State Parks stated that they "never hinder an active firefighting response" and that firefighting decisions are up to the responding agency.
• ⚖️ Attorneys for victims argue that the obtained documents and footage of state park representatives on scene prove otherwise.