Overview
- Firefighter Scott Pike testified he found at least five smoking hotspots and ash pits on Jan. 2 and says his warnings to a captain were dismissed before crews packed up.
- Plaintiffs released videos and transcripts from a dozen firefighter depositions after a brief confidentiality designation by city attorneys, revealing conflicting accounts of whether any smoldering was seen.
- LAFD leaders have maintained the earlier blaze was fully contained, while Mayor Karen Bass and Chief Jaime Moore cite the revelations as alarming and point to active internal and independent investigations.
- Several firefighters said they were told California State Parks would patrol the burn area; the agency disputes responsibility, says LAFD had the duty, and notes a court recently ruled multiple claims against the state will be dismissed.
- The Lachman fire flared days later into the Palisades Fire that killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of structures; civil suits continue as a federal case proceeds against a suspect accused of igniting the initial blaze.