LAFD Tried to Protect Mayor Bass from 'Reputational Harm' in Palisades Fire Report

Confidential memo reveals LAFD's strategy to shape media coverage and minimize criticism of the mayor's office

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Shortly before releasing an after-action report on the deadly Palisades fire, the Los Angeles Fire Department issued a confidential memo detailing plans to protect Mayor Karen Bass and others from 'reputational harm' in connection with the city's handling of the catastrophic blaze. The memo aimed to shape news media coverage of the report's findings, including efforts to 'minimize tough Q&A' by asking to hold closed-door briefings with the Fire Commission and City Council.

Why it matters

The disclosure about the LAFD's effort to protect the mayor's reputation comes after other records revealed that Bass was leading damage control efforts around both the after-action report and an announcement by federal prosecutors that the Palisades fire was caused by a rekindling of a smaller blaze. This raises questions about the mayor's involvement in altering the report to deflect criticism of the LAFD's failures in preparing for and responding to the deadly fire.

The details

The 13-page 'strategic response plan' memo, obtained by The Times through a public records request, was on LAFD letterhead and included email addresses for department officials, representatives of Bass' office, and public relations consultants hired to help shape messaging about the fire. The memo aimed to 'minimize tough Q&A' by asking to hold closed-door briefings with the Fire Commission and City Council, and tasked the PR firm Lede Co. with helping to manage and monitor news media coverage of the report.

  • The memo is undated but notes that 'This plan has been updated with the latest timeline as of 10/7.'
  • The after-action report was released to the public on Oct. 8.

The players

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who the LAFD memo aimed to protect from 'reputational harm' related to the Palisades fire report.

Ronnie Villanueva

The then-Interim Fire Chief of the LAFD who received an early draft of the after-action report and was told by Mayor Bass that it could expose the city to legal liabilities.

Kristin Crowley

The former LAFD Fire Chief who claimed that budget restrictions hampered the department's ability to fight the Palisades fire.

Jaime Moore

The current LAFD Fire Chief appointed by Mayor Bass in November, who has said he will not allow similar edits to future after-action reports.

Kenneth Cook

The LAFD Battalion Chief who authored the initial draft of the after-action report, but declined to endorse the final version due to changes that altered his findings.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Any additional interviews with the Fire Chief would likely depend on the Mayor's guidance. Regarding a press conference, I would be cautious as it could invite a high volume of challenging questions, and this would also be contingent on the Mayor's direction.”

— Capt. Erik Scott, LAFD spokesperson (Email)

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.