LOS ANGELES, CA – The Palisades Fire, which has burned through parts of Los Angeles, is believed to have human origins, according to early findings in an ongoing investigation.
Authorities are examining two possible causes, with investigators considering whether the fire was a reignition of a smaller blaze that occurred in the same area on New Year’s Day or if a new fire was ignited nearby.
The earlier fire, known as the Lachman Fire, burned approximately eight acres and was believed to have been sparked by fireworks at around 12:15 a.m. on January 1. Firefighters extinguished the blaze the same day, but intense winds in the area may have caused embers to reignite, officials said.
On January 7, fire crews responded to reports of another fire in the same location. The new blaze, which became known as the Palisades Fire, spread rapidly due to strong winds.
Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said officials are committed to full transparency if the investigation determines that embers from the Lachman Fire were not fully extinguished and led to the second blaze.
“We won’t leave a fire that has any hot spots,” Crowley told residents during a community forum. “But with that, I will tell you that the investigation, the team that we have on board right now, will be able to determine whether or not that did indeed happen. I can look you in the eye and tell you that full disclosure, if that indeed is what they find out, we will tell you that.”
Fire officials have not yet confirmed whether fireworks were involved in the Palisades Fire or if another human-caused ignition source played a role. The investigation remains ongoing.
