URGENT UPDATE: New reports confirm that Los Angeles firefighters were warned about the potential for a devastating fire in Pacific Palisades days before it erupted. Firefighters expressed concerns that the smaller Lachman Fire, which ignited on January 1, 2025, was not fully extinguished, risking a major flare-up.
Text messages obtained by the Los Angeles Times reveal that firefighters were alarmed when they were ordered to leave the Lachman Fire site just a day after it broke out, despite reports of smoldering stumps and lingering hotspots. One firefighter stated, “I couldn’t believe we walked away from that burn scar the way it was.” This critical oversight has raised serious questions about the response from leadership.
The Pacific Palisades fire, which occurred shortly after the Lachman Fire, led to significant destruction in the area, with officials confirming it was a re-ignition of the earlier blaze. In connection with the ongoing investigation, authorities arrested 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht on October 8, 2025. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Central District of California indicated that the Palisades Fire is directly linked to the Lachman Fire, despite previous claims suggesting climate change was the primary cause.
Eyewitness video footage has surfaced showing smoke billowing from a smoldering bush days before the Pacific Palisades fire broke out, further supporting claims of negligence. This footage has been included in 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 the government’s handling of the situation. In a post, Pratt shared his communications with an involved firefighter who detailed the ongoing risks at the Lachman Fire site. The firefighter revealed that despite identifying several hotspots, crews were instructed to leave, compromising safety for residents.
Criticism has mounted against California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for their response to the crisis. Following the fires, Bass dismissed Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley amid reports detailing failures in fire management and response. The LAFD has not yet responded to requests for comment on these serious allegations.
As the investigation unfolds, residents and officials alike are demanding accountability for the failures that led to the devastating destruction in Pacific Palisades. The community is left reeling from the impact, with many homes lost and families displaced.
WHAT’S NEXT: Authorities will continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding both fires. Residents are urged to stay informed as more updates emerge regarding the ongoing investigation and potential policy changes to prevent future disasters.
This urgent situation underscores the critical need for effective fire management strategies in California, especially in regions prone to wildfires. Follow for more updates on this developing story as it continues to unfold.
