LA Fire Department Report on Palisades Fire Marred by Controversy and Criticism

Key Takeaways

• The Los Angeles Fire Department’s (LAFD) after-action report on the Palisades fire was heavily edited, leading the author, Battalion Chief Kenneth Cook, to decline endorsement.
• The edited report was deemed "highly unprofessional and inconsistent with our established standards" by Cook.
• The changes to the report included significant deletions of information, alterations of conclusions, and a softened tone to mitigate litigation risks.
• The LAFD has refused to answer questions about the deletions and revisions, while Mayor Karen Bass’ office claims she did not demand changes.
• The report’s goal is to prevent similar mistakes, but the editing has raised concerns about the department’s accountability and transparency.

Introduction to the Controversy
The Palisades fire after-action report, intended to provide an honest assessment of the LAFD’s preparedness and response to the fire, has been marred by controversy. Battalion Chief Kenneth Cook, the author of the report, declined to endorse the edited version, citing substantial deletions and modifications that altered the conclusions. Cook’s email to then-interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva and other LAFD officials expressed his concerns about the report’s professionalism and consistency with established standards.

The Edits and Revisions
The edited report showed significant changes, including the removal of language stating that the decision to not fully staff up and pre-deploy all available crews and engines ahead of the extreme wind forecast "did not align" with the department’s policy and procedures during red flag days. The final report instead claimed that the number of engine companies rolled out ahead of the fire "went above and beyond the standard LAFD pre-deployment matrix." Additionally, a section on "failures" was renamed "primary challenges," and an item saying that crews and leaders had violated national guidelines on how to avoid firefighter deaths and injuries was scratched.

Impact and Criticism
The edits and revisions have been widely criticized for failing to provide a accurate and transparent account of the LAFD’s response to the fire. Gene Cameron, a resident who lost his home in the fire, described the revisions as a "cover up" and appreciated Cook’s bravery in standing up against the edits. City Councilmember Traci Park also expressed concerns, stating that the city cannot fix systemic failures or rebuild public trust without full transparency. The LAFD’s refusal to answer questions about the deletions and revisions has further eroded trust in the department’s accountability.

Investigations and Next Steps
The controversy surrounding the after-action report has led to calls for independent investigations and reviews. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has commissioned an independent review of the fire, which has yet to be released. Mayor Karen Bass has ordered the LAFD to commission an independent investigation into its missteps in putting out the earlier fire. The City Council has also approved and funded an independent after-action report, which has not been completed. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the LAFD will address the concerns and criticisms surrounding the edited report.

Transparency and Accountability
The Palisades fire after-action report controversy highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government agencies. The editing of the report to mitigate litigation risks and present a more favorable image of the LAFD has raised concerns about the department’s commitment to honesty and transparency. The refusal to answer questions and provide information about the deletions and revisions has further eroded trust in the department. As the city and the LAFD move forward, it is essential that they prioritize transparency and accountability to rebuild public trust and prevent similar mistakes in the future.

Conclusion
The Palisades fire after-action report controversy is a complex and multifaceted issue, involving concerns about transparency, accountability, and the LAFD’s commitment to honesty. The editing of the report has raised questions about the department’s priorities and its willingness to provide an accurate and transparent account of its response to the fire. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential that the city and the LAFD prioritize transparency and accountability to rebuild public trust and prevent similar mistakes in the future. The key takeaways from this controversy are that the LAFD’s after-action report was heavily edited, the edits were substantial and altered the conclusions, and the department’s transparency and accountability are in question.