Testimony Sheds Light on Start of Deadly Palisades Fire

Firefighters say they warned of smoldering embers, but were ignored before blaze reignited

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Newly released testimony from Los Angeles firefighters is shedding more light on the start of the deadly Palisades Fire in Southern California last year. Firefighter Scott Pike said he warned his superiors about smoldering embers and hot spots at the site of an earlier fire, but was "blown off." Days later, that fire reignited into the Palisades Fire, which claimed 12 lives and destroyed nearly 7,000 homes.

Why it matters

The testimony contradicts previous claims by the Los Angeles Fire Department that the initial Lachman Fire had been fully extinguished. The revelations could have major implications for the numerous lawsuits filed against the state of California over the Palisades Fire, which many argue could have been prevented.

The details

Firefighter Scott Pike said he was assigned to pick up hoses from the Lachman Fire site when he noticed smoke and embers, indicating the fire was not fully out. He said he warned his superiors, but was "blown off." Other firefighters, including the 2020 Firefighter of the Year, corroborated that California State Parks was supposed to patrol the area but failed to do so. The testimonies suggest the Palisades Fire could have been avoided if the initial fire had been properly extinguished.

  • On New Year's Eve, the Lachman Fire broke out in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles.
  • In early January, the Lachman Fire reignited, becoming the larger and more deadly Palisades Fire.
  • The Palisades Fire ultimately claimed 12 lives and destroyed nearly 7,000 homes.

The players

Scott Pike

A 23-year veteran of the Los Angeles Fire Department who testified about warning his superiors about smoldering embers at the Lachman Fire site.

Joe Everett

The then-assistant chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department who claimed the Lachman Fire was "dead out."

Tommy Kitahata

The 2020 Firefighter of the Year who confirmed California State Parks was supposed to patrol the Lachman Fire burn site.

John Ota

A California State Parks employee who admitted he never returned to the Lachman Fire site after January 1.

Roger Behle

An attorney representing over 3,000 families suing the state of California for the Palisades Fire.

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What they’re saying

“There was a lot of unburnt fuel in the burn. I looked around, there were no other firefighters. Nobody. I was the only one. So, I went around and I exposed a couple areas of different sizes and that's where I noticed hot coals underneath the ashes.”

— Scott Pike, Firefighter (NewsNation)

“If it is determined to be the cause, it would be a phenomenon.”

— Joe Everett, Assistant Chief, Los Angeles Fire Department (NewsNation)

“I felt like we could have done more.”

— Scott Pike, Firefighter (NewsNation)

What’s next

The testimonies could have major implications for the numerous lawsuits filed against the state of California over the Palisades Fire, as well as the case of Jonathan Rinderknecht, who is on trial for starting the fire.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thorough fire suppression efforts and the need for better coordination between different agencies responding to wildfires. The revelations also raise questions about transparency and accountability within the Los Angeles Fire Department.