Firefighters Warned of Palisades Blaze Days Before Destruction

BREAKING: New reports reveal that Los Angeles firefighters raised alarms about the ongoing risk of the Pacific Palisades blaze days before it devastated the neighborhood. According to the Los Angeles Times, text messages from firefighters indicate serious concerns about the handling of the nearby Lachman Fire, which ignited on January 1, 2025.

Firefighters deployed to combat the Lachman Fire expressed frustration that commanders failed to ensure it was fully extinguished. Just six days later, the Pacific Palisades fire erupted, with one firefighter noting he was “surprised” crews were ordered to pack up when tree stumps were still hot. Another firefighter confirmed that they had recognized the risk, stating, “We knew the Pacific Palisades fire was a re-ignition of the Lachman Fire.”

The situation intensified after authorities arrested 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht on October 8, 2025, in connection with the Pacific Palisades fire. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Central District of California stated that the Palisades fire was a continuation of the Lachman Fire, contradicting earlier claims attributing the destruction to climate change.

A video circulating online shows smoke rising from a smoldering bush just days before the Pacific Palisades fire broke out, raising further questions about the fire management strategies employed. The video has been included as part of a lawsuit against the state and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP).

Former reality TV star Spencer Pratt, whose family was directly affected by the disaster, has become a vocal critic of government responses. In a recent post, he shared direct communications with a firefighter who confirmed conditions at the Lachman Fire site. “There were several hot spots and it was definitely still smoldering,” the firefighter stated. “I couldn’t believe we walked away from that burn scar the way it was.”

The fallout from this disaster has led to significant backlash against California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Following public outcry, Bass dismissed Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Chief Kristin Crowley in February, amid reports highlighting failures in the response to both the Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires.

Residents are demanding accountability as investigations continue. The LAFD has not yet responded to inquiries regarding these allegations.

This developing story underscores the importance of effective fire management and raises critical questions about the protocols in place to prevent such disasters. As the community reels from the impact, further updates are expected as investigations unfold. Stay tuned for ongoing coverage.