LA Mayor Accused of Influencing Palisades Fire Report

Allegations prompt businessman Rick Caruso to reconsider mayoral run

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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A bombshell Los Angeles Times report alleges that Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass intervened in the Palisades Fire after-action report, ordering key findings about the Los Angeles Fire Department's response to be removed or softened before the report was released publicly. The report has intensified political fallout across Los Angeles, with businessman Rick Caruso saying the allegations have prompted him to reconsider a potential run for mayor.

Why it matters

The allegations against Mayor Bass raise concerns about transparency and accountability in the city's emergency response efforts. The Palisades Fire was a major incident that impacted many residents, and the public deserves a full and accurate accounting of what happened. The fallout from this report could significantly impact the upcoming mayoral race.

The details

According to the Los Angeles Times report, Mayor Bass reviewed an early draft of the Palisades Fire after-action report and ordered key findings about the LAFD's response to be removed or softened before the report was publicly released. The report has faced months of criticism from fire survivors who say it was watered down and failed to provide clear answers. LAFD Chief Jaime E. Moore has said the focus should be on moving forward, but residents say they still want answers. The allegations have prompted businessman Rick Caruso, who had previously announced he would not run for mayor, to reconsider entering the race.

  • The Los Angeles Times report was published on February 5, 2026.
  • Two weeks ago, Caruso announced he no longer planned to run for California governor or mayor of Los Angeles.
  • The deadline for candidates to file paperwork to run for mayor of Los Angeles is Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Karen Bass

The current mayor of Los Angeles who is accused of intervening in the Palisades Fire after-action report.

Rick Caruso

A businessman who is now reconsidering a potential run for mayor of Los Angeles in light of the allegations against Mayor Bass.

Jaime E. Moore

The Los Angeles Fire Chief who has said the focus should be on moving forward rather than assigning blame.

Spencer Pratt

A mayoral candidate who has called for those responsible to be fired, including the fire chiefs, battalion chiefs, and the mayor.

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What they’re saying

“Incompetence is one thing. But it's very different when you mix incompetence with someone who is actively lying to the people she has sworn to serve.”

— Rick Caruso (foxla.com)

“There's no looking forward until we get answers and the people responsible are fired. That includes the fire chiefs, battalion chiefs and the mayor.”

— Spencer Pratt, Mayoral Candidate (foxla.com)

“Just like the mayor's State of the City address, I think we need to look ahead. That's behind us.”

— Jaime E. Moore, Los Angeles Fire Chief (foxla.com)

What’s next

The deadline for candidates to file paperwork to run for mayor of Los Angeles is Saturday, February 7, 2026. The allegations against Mayor Bass could significantly impact the upcoming mayoral race, with Rick Caruso now reconsidering a potential run.

The takeaway

The allegations that Mayor Bass intervened in the Palisades Fire after-action report have raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability in the city's emergency response efforts. Residents deserve a full and accurate accounting of what happened, and the fallout from this report could have major implications for the future of Los Angeles politics.