LAFD Memo Reveals Effort to Protect Mayor Bass from Palisades Fire Backlash

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A confidential memo obtained by the Los Angeles Times reveals that Los Angeles Fire Department officials sought to 'prepare and protect' Mayor Karen Bass and the city from 'reputational harm' before releasing an after-action report on the Palisades fire. The memo indicates the LAFD's goal was to use a 'comprehensive strategy' of risk assessment, proactive and reactive communications, and crisis response to shield Bass and others from potential backlash over the report's findings.

Why it matters

The revelations in the memo add to growing concerns over the mayor's alleged heavy-handed response to public questions about the fire, and accusations that she orchestrated the LAFD's handling of the after-action review. This raises questions about transparency and accountability in the city's emergency response efforts.

The details

The unsigned, confidential memo obtained by the Los Angeles Times states that the LAFD's aim in preparing the after-action report on the Palisades fire was to 'protect Mayor Bass, the City, and the LAFD from reputational harm.' The report was significantly modified from its draft form before being released publicly, according to a previous investigation by the California Post.

• The Palisades fire occurred in October 2025.
• The LAFD's after-action report on the fire was released in October 2025.

What’s next

The revelations in the memo are likely to fuel further scrutiny and investigations into the city's handling of the Palisades fire and the mayor's potential involvement in shaping the LAFD's response.