Flames will rise again in Pacific Palisades this week as federal investigators conduct a controlled fire test. This test aims to uncover the cause of the devastating fire in January that claimed twelve lives and destroyed thousands of homes.
Nearly four months after the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began its investigation, the team will set fire to sections of the Temescal Ridge Trail between Skull Rock and Green Peak. The test is scheduled for Tuesday night and will continue through Thursday. Investigators hope it will reveal the fire’s point of origin and how it spread rapidly from the hills to the ocean during a fierce windstorm.
The Palisades fire was first noticed around 10:30 a.m. on January 7, when high winds fueled its rapid advance across dry terrain. Investigators are particularly looking into whether an eight-acre blaze ignited by fireworks a week earlier could have reignited. Sources close to the investigation suggest that the fire likely had a human cause, as there are no power lines near the origin point and the trail is frequently used by hikers. However, some homeowners have filed lawsuits, claiming that power lines contributed to the destruction.
Los Angeles fire officials will be on-site throughout the testing to ensure safety for the public and the environment. They have not ruled out the possibility that the fire may have started anew on January 7, either from rekindling the previous fire or from a separate ignition source.
In the aftermath of the January fires, investigations have meticulously examined the area, breaking it into grids. The team has followed up on 250 leads, reviewed 90 hours of video, and conducted 50 interviews.
The Palisades fire is considered one of the most costly disasters in Los Angeles history, causing billions in damages. The city’s handling of the situation has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding the decisions made by the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). Mayor Karen Bass has been criticized for her absence during the fire, as she was in Ghana just days before the disaster, despite warnings about the rising fire danger.
On January 1, a smaller fire known as the Lachman fire was reported around 12:17 a.m. by a nearby resident. It is believed to have been sparked by fireworks. Firefighters initially struggled to respond due to strong winds but began aerial attacks shortly after 1:40 a.m. By 3:30 a.m., officials announced they had halted the fire’s advance.
In February, Mayor Bass removed LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley from her position, citing her decisions leading up to the fire as a reason. Reports indicated that Crowley did not order enough firefighters to stay on duty for a second shift the morning of the blaze, which could have doubled the available personnel.
As investigators continue their work, the community remains on edge, grappling with the aftermath of the fire and its devastating impact.