Confidential Memo Shows LAFD Tried to Protect LA Mayor Bass from Palisades Fire Criticism

The memo reveals the department's efforts to shape media coverage and deflect blame over the city's response to the wildfire.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 11:48pm

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A new report from the LA Times claims the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) tried to protect Mayor Karen Bass from "reputational harm" following the city's handling of the Palisades Fire. The outlet obtained a confidential 13-page memo that shows the department sought to shape media coverage and deflect blame over the fire response.

Why it matters

This revelation raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the city's emergency response efforts. The memo suggests the LAFD was more focused on protecting the mayor's image than on addressing legitimate criticisms about the handling of the Palisades Fire, which has led to a civil lawsuit from affected residents.

The details

The confidential memo included "message points" for the LAFD Chief and listed media outlets and reporters' names, indicating the department's efforts to control the narrative. An attorney representing Palisades fire victims claims public records show city leaders were leaning on PR experts to help deflect blame, with the memo using language like "it's our goal to prepare and protect Mayor Bass, the city, and the LAFD." Mayor Bass has denied allegations that she ordered key findings from the Palisades fire after-action report to be removed or softened.

  • The LA Times report was published on February 21, 2026.
  • Several weeks ago, the LA Times published a report citing sources who claimed Mayor Bass ordered key findings from the Palisades fire after-action report to be removed or softened.
  • Mayor Bass strongly denied the allegations in the LA Times report in early February 2026.

The players

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who was the focus of the LAFD's efforts to protect from criticism over the city's response to the Palisades Fire.

Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD)

The fire department that created a confidential memo to shape media coverage and deflect blame over the city's handling of the Palisades Fire.

Alex "Trey" Robertson

An attorney representing Palisades fire victims in a civil case against the city, who claims public records show city leaders were leaning on PR experts to help deflect blame.

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What they’re saying

“It's jaw dropping and extremely disappointing.”

— Alex "Trey" Robertson, Attorney representing Palisades fire victims (LA Times)

“Not to use the word rekindle but instead called it a holdover fire and the emails indicate that the Mayor's office, the PR firm and the fire department, were concerned about deflecting liability.”

— Alex "Trey" Robertson, Attorney representing Palisades fire victims (LA Times)

What’s next

The judge in the civil case against the city filed by Palisades fire victims will likely review the confidential memo and other public records as part of the ongoing litigation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in emergency response efforts, as well as the potential for conflicts of interest when government agencies prioritize image management over addressing legitimate public concerns. The revelations raise questions about the LAFD's priorities and the mayor's role in shaping the narrative around the Palisades Fire.