The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is facing scrutiny for its response to the Lachman fire, which flared up following the New Year’s Day blaze in Pacific Palisades. Interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva confirmed that firefighters did not use thermal imaging technology to detect smoldering embers beneath the surface. This decision has raised concerns, especially since the fire ultimately led to one of the most devastating wildfires in Los Angeles history.
LAFD’s Handling of the Palisades Fire
The New Year’s Day fire, which consumed 8 acres, was determined to have been deliberately ignited along a popular hiking trail. After 36 hours of mopping up, crews departed on January 2, returning the following day due to reports of smoke in the area. Villanueva noted the decision against using thermal imaging was made because some vegetation in the area can extend deep underground, beyond the reach of the available technology.
Consequences of Ignoring Thermal Imaging
- The Lachman fire resulted in 12 fatalities.
- It destroyed over 6,800 structures and charred 23,400 acres.
Fire experts criticize the absence of thermal imaging deployment, highlighting its role in identifying residual heat and potential rekindling sources. Ed Nordskog, a former arson investigator, labeled this decision as hard to justify, asserting that the technology is a standard protocol to prevent rekindled fires.
Investigation Findings
Federal documents reveal that the Lachman fire was classified as a “holdover” fire. Investigators confirmed that evidence of smoke arising from the ground existed between January 1 and January 7. Despite the LAFD’s procedural updates, including a memorandum on fire containment, the lack of thermal imaging during mopping-up operations remains a critical oversight.
Protocol Changes Post-Incident
Following the extensive damage, LAFD leadership announced new measures aimed at improving response during extreme weather conditions. These include:
- Implementing mandatory additional shifts for firefighters during red flag warnings.
- Adjusting deployment strategies to ensure more engines are positioned proactively.
However, some analysts believe these changes may not be sufficient to prevent future incidents. Former LAFD Battalion Chief Rick Crawford emphasized the need for thermal imaging technologies on all wildfire operations to ensure complete extinguishment of embers.
Conclusions
The Palisades fire serves as a critical lesson for LAFD. As emergency protocols are reassessed, the integration of advanced detection technologies may prove essential in averting future catastrophes. The implications of these decisions stretch far beyond administrative errors—they genuinely affect community safety and wildfire management across Los Angeles.
