LAFD Officials Pass the Buck on Lachman Fire Decisions

Sworn testimony raises questions about why concerns over hot spots and weather conditions were not addressed before the Palisades fire erupted

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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In sworn testimony, Los Angeles Fire Department officials have passed the blame for the decision to leave the Lachman fire site unattended, despite warnings from firefighters about lingering hot spots and dangerous weather conditions. The testimony reveals a lack of clear communication and accountability, as various LAFD leaders claim the decision was made by others, leaving unanswered questions about who was ultimately responsible for the call that led to the devastating Palisades fire days later.

Why it matters

The Lachman and Palisades fires resulted in 12 deaths and the destruction of thousands of homes, raising serious questions about the LAFD's handling of the initial fire and its aftermath. The testimony highlights potential breakdowns in communication and decision-making within the department, which could have dire consequences for public safety if not addressed.

The details

Firefighter Michael McIndoe testified that he warned his battalion chief, Mario Garcia, about the warm weather forecast and the need to leave hoses in place to address any lingering hot spots at the Lachman fire site. However, Garcia's orders to pick up the hoses did not change. Another firefighter, Scott Pike, said he informed a captain about hot spots and ash pits in the area, but never received orders to address the hazards. Garcia testified that he believed the decision to pick up the hoses was made before his shift, while Battalion Chief Martin Mullen, who was on duty before Garcia, said he left the hoses in place as a precaution and informed Garcia about it.

  • On January 2, 2025, firefighters were ordered to pick up hoses left at the Lachman fire site.
  • Days later, on January 2, 2025, embers from the Lachman fire ignited into the Palisades fire, which killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes.

The players

Michael McIndoe

A captain at Fire Station 69 in Pacific Palisades who expressed concerns about picking up the hoses at the Lachman fire site due to the warm weather forecast and potential lingering hot spots.

Mario Garcia

A battalion chief who was in charge of the Lachman fire operation and ordered the hoses to be picked up, despite McIndoe's concerns.

Scott Pike

A 23-year LAFD veteran based at a station in Sunland who observed hot spots and ash pits at the Lachman fire site and relayed his concerns to a captain, but did not receive any orders to address the hazards.

Martin Mullen

A battalion chief who was on duty before Garcia and testified that he left the hose lines in place overnight as a precaution, informing Garcia about it.

Phillip Fligiel

A top LAFD chief who was making plans to remove the equipment from the Lachman fire site on January 1, 2025.

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What they’re saying

“I just went up to him, and I said, 'Hey, I hope you don't think I'm just trying to get out of work,' And he said, no, that's — that's fine. Something along those lines, and that that's all I can really recall.”

— Michael McIndoe, Fire Captain (Los Angeles Times)

“That's how I approached him, is like, 'Hey, Cap ... We have hot spots in general. We have some ash pits.' That's an alert to double-check the whole area and maybe we need to switch our tactics.”

— Scott Pike, Firefighter (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.