LOS ANGELES, CA – Authorities are investigating whether a fire that broke out on New Year’s Day in the Pacific Palisades is connected to the deadly Palisades Fire, which erupted less than a week later and became one of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles history.
The New Year’s Day fire, which burned approximately eight acres, occurred near Skull Rock, a well-known area just north of Sunset Boulevard. According to the Los Angeles Times, Skull Rock is now being examined as a potential origin point for the Palisades Fire, which started on Jan. 7. Residents have previously noted the proximity of the two incidents, with some believing the earlier blaze might have played a role in igniting the larger disaster.
“There was a small fire around New Year’s Eve in the Highlands, which we believe started this all up again,” longtime Pacific Palisades resident Archie Ogani said in an interview on Jan. 8.
The Jan. 1 fire, which caused no structural damage or injuries, was quickly contained by firefighters in a matter of hours. In stark contrast, the Palisades Fire has since scorched more than 23,000 acres, destroyed numerous homes and buildings, and displaced thousands of residents.
Los Angeles Fire Department officials confirmed on Jan. 14 that investigators are pursuing every lead, including a potential link between the two fires. “Even though that is a week apart, there is a possibility,” LAFD spokesperson Erik Scott said. “Our lead arson investigators are doing an outstanding job combing through the debris, looking at burn patterns, talking to witnesses, and working alongside ATF, FBI, LAPD, and other agencies. We will determine the cause.”
Cell phone footage of the New Year’s Day fire, obtained by local reporters, shows flames burning near the area later devastated by the Palisades Fire. Though investigators have not determined whether the earlier fire contributed to the second blaze, the two incidents’ proximity in time and location has raised significant questions.
The Palisades Fire investigation has drawn extensive resources, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The ATF has deployed its National Response Team, consisting of 75 specialized investigators, to assist in uncovering the fire’s origin. “We are fully committed to understanding what caused this disaster,” said Jose Medina, the acting special agent leading the investigation.
Despite the resources mobilized, no definitive cause for the Palisades Fire has been identified as of Tuesday. Multiple arrests have been made in the area for unrelated crimes, including a man accused of impersonating a firefighter to break into an evacuated home. Other individuals have been arrested for arson across Southern California, but none have been linked directly to the Palisades Fire.
Officials have also yet to determine the exact cause of the New Year’s Day fire. As the investigation continues, law enforcement has asked for patience and cooperation from the public while urging anyone with information about either incident to come forward.
While the Palisades Fire remains only partially contained, the focus on its origins underscores the importance of preventing future disasters. Authorities are emphasizing vigilance as they work to bring clarity to the events that led to this historic wildfire.
