The Los Angeles Fire Department’s extensive review of its Palisades fire response detailed challenges including staffing difficulties, resource shortages and constraints posed by the intense winds fanning the flames.
The after-action report, released Wednesday afternoon, follows the Wednesday morning announcement of the arrest of 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht, who is suspected of igniting a blaze that led to the destructive Palisades fire on Jan. 7.
The report spans 70 pages and examines the LAFD response to the fire, challenges faced by the department and changes that have been implemented in the months since. Such reports are typically internal documents, but the department is releasing the report given the size, impact and high level of interest surrounding the nearly 24,000-acre blaze that killed 12.
Key findings of the report are issues the LAFD faced with recalling off-duty staff to work, fiscal responsibility being a focus in decision making, fire engines unavailable due to mechanical issues, firefighters working 36 hours without rehabilitation and 48 hours without relief or rest, command posts becoming threatened by the fire and delayed notifications and jammed evacuation routes being listed among primary concerns.
Staff recall policies have already been shifted. Now, “all staff will be immediately recalled and all available apparatus staffed, regardless of external factors or financial impact,” the department says.
Secondary challenges faced during the fire included many chief officers within the department having limited to no experience with a blaze of this magnitude and complexity, residents staying behind and asking for assistance with their sometimes unthreatened homes taking resources away from more at-risk places, lack of cell service and wind gusts that challenged highly experienced pilots and eventually led to aircraft being grounded. In total, the report identified nearly 100 challenges posed during the fire response.
The report lays out timelines of the department’s response during the first 36 hours of the blaze.
The report also highlights successes of the department’s response, including multiple rescues, the evacuation of over 30,000 residents and coordinated responses with other fire and law enforcement agencies listed among the over 80 accomplishments by the department.
The LAFD also outlines lessons learned from the fire response and recommendations to take forward, including bolstering resources and ensuring fiscal responsibility does not overrule preparedness, creating a comprehensive recall system for pulling in off-duty firefighters, updating communication plans and establishing at least two routes of exit in neighborhoods designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
Changes in the department have already been implemented as a result of the report. The department noted 19 leadership changes have taken place since January, most notably the appointment of Interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva.