Los Angeles Fire Chief Jaime Moore, two months into her tenure, is addressing concerns surrounding the handling of recent wildfires and a significant staffing shortage within the department.
Investigation into Fire Response
The Los Angeles Times has reported on text messages exchanged among firefighters following the response to the Lachman Fire. These messages reportedly indicated that the fire was still smoldering. Authorities now believe that the underground burn from the Lachman Fire was the source of the subsequent Palisades Fire.
When questioned by 7 On Your Side Investigates, Chief Moore stated she has requested all text messages related to the Lachman Fire response. She added, “I have asked everyone if there’s any text messages to please show them to me.” The incident commander, according to Moore, maintains that no concerns about continued smoldering were communicated to him.
Moore also stated she has “no indication” that firefighters raised alarms about hot spots and were instructed to leave the scene prematurely, noting, “I have to believe it, but nobody’s ever come forward.”
New Strategies and Ongoing Investigation
Moore has initiated an independent investigation into the LAFD’s handling of the Lachman Fire. In the meantime, the department plans to utilize heat-detecting drones to monitor burn scars for potential rekindling. “In hindsight, should we have been better at this fire? Absolutely,” Moore acknowledged. “And that’s why I’m coming forward and saying that we have to own that. We could have done better.”
The department is also grappling with a staffing deficit of 100 firefighters. To address this, Moore is considering the deployment of smaller fire engines, allowing for quicker responses to lower-priority calls with reduced crews.
Moore expressed confidence in her ability to address these challenges, stating, “It’s a big challenge that I’ve inherited. I’m ready for it, I’m excited about it,” but cautioned, “I just want the public to understand it’s going to take time.” Current and retired LAFD firefighters have reportedly expressed support for Moore’s leadership, according to 7 On Your Side Investigates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is being done to investigate the handling of the Lachman and Palisades Fires?
Chief Moore has initiated an independent investigation into how the LAFD handled the Lachman Fire. The department will also be using heat-detecting drones to monitor burn scars.
What is the LAFD doing about the firefighter shortage?
The LAFD is currently 100 firefighters short and is looking into investing in smaller fire engines to allow for quicker responses with fewer personnel on lower priority calls.
What did Chief Moore say about the department’s past performance?
Moore stated, “In hindsight, should we have been better at this fire? Absolutely. And that’s why I’m coming forward and saying that we have to own that. We could have done better.”
As Chief Moore begins to implement changes, will the LAFD be able to regain public trust and effectively address the ongoing challenges of wildfire prevention and response?
