The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is under intense criticism following its handling of the Pacific Palisades fire, which has destroyed much of the area and remains uncontained more than a week later. Records reviewed by the LA Times reveal significant lapses in resource allocation, with over 1,000 available firefighters and dozens of engines left unused during the critical early hours of the fire.
Residents report lengthy delays in emergency response times. One couple who reported the initial blaze to 911 waited 45 minutes before any response, by which time the fire had grown substantially.
Despite internal warnings on January 7 about “life-threatening and destructive” winds, LAFD leadership did not retain firefighters for a second shift or deploy additional engines to the fire zone. Only five of over 40 available engines were initially staffed to combat the blaze, with some equipment reportedly left idle until after the fire escalated.
LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley defended the department’s actions, stating that decisions were made to balance citywide needs. “We have to manage everybody in the city,” Crowley explained. Deputy Fire Chief Richard Fields echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the challenge of resource allocation across Los Angeles.
However, critics, including former fire chiefs, argue that the lack of pre-deployment to high-risk areas reflects a failure in leadership. Former Battalion Chief Rick Crawford stated, “The plan you’re using now for the fire you should have used before the fire.”
Resource Discrepancies and Water Supply Issues
Confusion over the availability of engines has further clouded the department’s response. Initial reports suggested that additional engines were withheld, while subsequent explanations revealed conflicting accounts of their operational status.
Firefighters arriving in residential areas also encountered dry hydrants, attributed to water pressure issues and the Palisades Reservoir being empty at the time. Chief Crowley attributed these issues, in part, to budget cuts made by the administration of LA Mayor Karen Bass.
Mayor Bass faced criticism for being out of the country during the crisis, attending a presidential inauguration in Ghana as conditions for a catastrophic fire worsened. Governor Gavin Newsom also drew fire for deflecting blame onto “misinformation” from figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, rather than addressing California’s forest and water management policies.
As the fire rages on, questions remain about the LAFD’s preparedness and the broader policies that may have exacerbated the crisis. Critics argue that a more proactive approach could have mitigated the devastation, while the department insists it made the best decisions with the resources available.
With tens of thousands of acres burned and countless homes destroyed, the aftermath of the Pacific Palisades fire underscores the urgent need for strategic planning and resource management to prevent future disasters.