Firefighters Warned of Smoldering Blaze Before Devastating Fire

URGENT UPDATE: New reports confirm that Los Angeles firefighters were aware of a smoldering fire days before the devastating Pacific Palisades blaze erupted, leading to widespread destruction. This revelation raises critical questions about the response protocols and may have severe implications for those involved.

Just days before the Pacific Palisades fire ignited on October 8, 2023, firefighters were deployed to extinguish the Lachman Fire, which began on January 1, 2023. Text messages among three firefighters, obtained and reviewed by the Los Angeles Times, reveal serious concerns regarding the management of the Lachman Fire. One firefighter expressed disbelief that crews were ordered to pack up while tree stumps were still smoldering.

The implications of these findings are significant. Officials have arrested 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Pacific Palisades fire. According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Central District of California, the blaze was determined to be a continuation of the Lachman Fire, contradicting earlier claims that climate change was to blame for the destruction.

A disturbing video has surfaced showing smoke rising from a smoldering bush just days before the Pacific Palisades fire broke out, fueling further scrutiny of the firefighters’ previous actions. This video has been included as part of the lawsuit against the state and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP).

Former reality TV star Spencer Pratt, whose family was directly impacted by the fire, has voiced strong criticism of the government’s response. In a recent post, he shared direct communications with an involved firefighter, revealing that hot spots were still present at the Lachman Fire site when ordered to leave. “I couldn’t believe we walked away from that burn scar the way it was,” the firefighter stated.

The fallout continues as both California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass face backlash from residents over their handling of the disaster. In response to the criticism, Mayor Bass terminated Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Chief Kristin Crowley in February due to reported failures during the Palisades and Eaton fires.

This developing story underscores the urgent need for accountability and transparency in fire management. As investigations proceed, residents demand answers regarding the decisions that led to such catastrophic consequences. The community is on high alert, awaiting further updates about the ongoing investigation and the future of wildfire management in Los Angeles.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.