A firefighter from Los Angeles, Scott Pike, revealed serious concerns about the Lachman fire’s aftermath just days before it sparked the devastating Palisades fire. In his testimony for a lawsuit filed by fire victims against the city and state, Pike described how he spotted several hot spots while clearing hoses after the fire was declared out.
On January 2, as Pike worked an overtime shift, he noticed five areas still smoldering. One particularly alarming ash pit was so hot that he hesitated to touch it with his hand. Instead, he kicked it with his boot, revealing glowing coals underneath. Despite his warnings, both the firefighters on-site and his captain dismissed his concerns. Pike stated, “I felt like I kind of got blown off a little bit,” highlighting the disconnect between him and his colleagues during a critical moment.
Pike’s testimony aligns with earlier reports that indicated a battalion chief ordered crews to pack up and leave, despite visible signs that the fire was not completely extinguished. He expressed a sense of responsibility and regret, stating it “sits heavy” with him that no one listened.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) emphasized that the fire was fully extinguished and barely mentioned the earlier incident in an after-action review aimed at preventing future mistakes. Surprisingly, Pike was never interviewed for this report.
Days after the crew left, powerful winds reignited the smoldering embers, leading to a catastrophic fire that claimed twelve lives and ravaged much of Pacific Palisades. Victims of this fire allege that the state failed to inspect the area and that the LAFD should have monitored it more closely to prevent disaster.
Recent data shows that wildfires in California are becoming increasingly severe, with the number of incidents rising sharply over the past decades. According to a 2021 report from the National Interagency Fire Center, California has experienced an alarming 50% increase in wildfire outbreaks since 2010. Yet, cities often struggle with resource management, especially when firefighting crews are under pressure to clear areas quickly.
Social media reactions are also telling. Users have taken to platforms like Twitter to voice their frustration, sharing messages to advocate for better fire safety measures and accountability from officials. One viral post highlighted how critical it is for firefighters’ warnings to be taken seriously, especially in the volatile climate of California.
As the investigation into the Lachman fire’s handling unfolds, new evidence, including text messages from firefighters, suggests that many shared Pike’s concerns but felt unable to act. LAFD leadership, including Fire Chief Jaime Moore, has committed to probing this incident further. An independent investigation will also assess failures in the response and protocols surrounding fire management in the state.
For further insights, you can consult the Fire Safety Research Institute’s extensive analysis of wildfire responses or the recent reports prepared by the state on fire risk management. Understanding these dynamics is crucial as we push for improvements in firefighting strategies and community safety.
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