Flames will light up the skies over Pacific Palisades this week as federal agents conduct a controlled fire test. This test aims to uncover the cause of a devastating fire in January that claimed twelve lives and destroyed thousands of homes.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has been investigating the Palisades fire for nearly four months. On Tuesday night, they will set fire to sections of the Temescal Ridge Trail, specifically between Skull Rock and Green Peak. The test is expected to continue until Thursday. Investigators hope it will help pinpoint where the fire started and how it spread so quickly from the hills to the ocean during a powerful windstorm.
The Palisades fire was first spotted around 10:30 a.m. on January 7, as strong winds whipped through the dry terrain. Sources close to the investigation suggest that the focus is on a smaller fire that occurred a week earlier, which was believed to have been ignited by fireworks. Firefighters thought they had put it out, but there is a possibility it may have reignited.
Los Angeles fire officials will be on-site throughout the testing to ensure safety and protect the environment. Investigators have not ruled out the possibility that the fire could have been started anew on January 7 or that it was a rekindling of the earlier blaze. In either case, sources indicate that human activity is likely to blame, as there are no power lines near the suspected origin point.
The Palisades fire is considered one of the most destructive in Los Angeles history, with damages running into the billions. This disaster has sparked public outrage and led to a recall campaign targeting Mayor Karen Bass, who has faced criticism for traveling abroad shortly before the fire, despite warnings about dangerous wind conditions.
On January 1, a fire known as the Lachman fire was reported around 12:17 a.m. by a resident near the popular Skull Rock trail. Investigators believe this fire may have been caused by fireworks. Initial firefighting efforts were hampered by winds, but they began aerial attacks around 1:40 a.m. as conditions improved. By 3:30 a.m., officials announced they had halted the fire’s progress.
In the aftermath, investigators have meticulously searched the area, examining evidence and conducting interviews. They have looked into over 250 leads, reviewed 90 hours of video footage, and carried out 50 interviews to gather information about the incident.
The investigation has also led to changes in leadership within the Los Angeles Fire Department. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley was removed from her position, with the mayor citing her decisions before the fire as part of the reason for her dismissal. Reports indicate that Crowley and her team did not have enough resources to keep additional firefighters on duty, which could have helped manage the situation more effectively.
As the controlled fire test takes place, many in the community are looking for answers and hoping for improved safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.