> At a Glance
> – Chief Jaimie Moore acknowledged the Palisades Fire after-action report was edited to reduce criticism of department leadership
> – The report was altered before Moore took office, but he pledged such editing will not happen under his watch
> – The Lachman Fire, initially thought extinguished on Jan. 1, 2025, reignited and became the destructive Palisades Fire
> – Why it matters: The revelation raises questions about transparency and accountability within the LAFD during critical wildfire responses
The Los Angeles Fire Department’s own review of the Palisades Fire was quietly rewritten to shield top brass from blame, Chief Jaimie Moore conceded Tuesday-his first public confirmation of the manipulation.
What the Chief Confessed
> “It is now clear that multiple drafts were edited to soften language and reduce explicit criticism of the department leadership in that final report.”
>
> – Chief Jaimie Moore, LAFD
Moore told the LA Fire Commission the changes happened before he became chief, then drew a firm line: “Nothing of this sort will happen ever again while I am Fire Chief.”
How the Palisades Fire Started
- A small brush fire-the Lachman Fire-sparked near Temescal Ridge Trail on January 1, 2025
- Crews were told to “pick up hose” after believing the fire was out
- Embers smoldered underground, reignited days later, and exploded into the Palisades Fire driven by Santa Ana winds
Staffing Crisis Behind the Failures
Moore said the twin fires exposed a system “stretched thin on its best day and overwhelmed on its worst.”
| Resource Metric | Current Level | Needed |
|---|---|---|
| LAFD Firefighters | 3,400 | ~7,000 |
| Staffing Level | Same as 1960s | Double required |
The United Firefighters of Los Angeles City is pushing a ballot measure to boost funding and close the gap.
Immediate Changes Already Underway
- Mop-up procedures revised to prevent reignition
- Drone technology now standard for post-fire heat detection
- Dispatch and pre-deployment protocols updated
Moore took no questions at the commission meeting.
Key Takeaways
- Department leadership avoided scrutiny by altering the Palisades Fire report
- Understaffing-half the required force-contributed to critical missteps
- New tech and procedures are in place, but hiring remains unresolved
- Union is seeking voter-backed funding to double firefighter numbers
