The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is facing scrutiny for its decision not to pre-deploy firefighting resources ahead of the Palisades Fire that broke out on January 7, a move that some former fire chiefs believe could have mitigated the disaster. According to reports, the department could have positioned ten engines in the Pacific Palisades area prior to the fire, which was fueled by extreme winds, but opted against it due to budget constraints and concerns over overtime pay.
On January 6, as warnings of high winds were issued, LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley and her team chose not to send additional engines to patrol the fire-prone hills and canyons. This decision has raised alarms among former top officials within the department, who argue that the presence of these engines could have significantly improved response times and potentially reduced the fire’s impact.
The first 911 call regarding the brush fire was received by emergency services, but it took firefighters 18 minutes to arrive on the scene. By that time, the flames had already begun to spread rapidly, exacerbated by the strong winds. Former fire chiefs have emphasized that had the engines been strategically positioned beforehand, they could have acted more swiftly to contain the fire before it escalated.
Further analysis reveals that the LAFD deployed fewer engines citywide in response to the wind warnings this year compared to previous years, including 2011, 2013, and 2019. This reduction in resources has sparked discussions about the adequacy of the department’s preparedness and the impact of ongoing budget cuts on public safety.
The aftermath of the Palisades Fire has prompted calls for a reevaluation of resource allocation within the LAFD, as community members and former officials advocate for enhanced firefighting capabilities to better protect vulnerable areas from future wildfires. As the region continues to face the threat of extreme weather conditions, the effectiveness of fire response strategies remains a critical concern for residents and leaders alike.