LAFD Palisades Fire Report Author Rejects Final Version as Unprofessional
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) faces controversy over its after-action report concerning the Palisades fire due to significant edits made post-submission. Battalion Chief Kenneth Cook, the report’s author, publicly rejected the final version, labeling it “highly unprofessional and inconsistent with our established standards.”
Key Issues with the Palisades Fire Report
Cook expressed his concerns in an email sent to former interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva shortly after the report’s release on October 8, 2023. In the correspondence, Cook mentioned that crucial information had been omitted, altering the conclusions originally drawn in the document.
Concerns Raised by Chief Cook
- Significant modifications to the report’s findings.
- Altering conclusions that could misrepresent the LAFD’s performance.
- Risk of the final report conflicting with an independent review commissioned by Governor Gavin Newsom.
In his email, Cook stated, “While I understand the importance of addressing liability concerns, the edited report should not obscure necessary insights.” Cook’s apprehensions highlight critical discrepancies that could mislead the public regarding the responses during the January fire that preceded the devastating Palisades incident.
Official Responses and Findings
Izzy Gardon, a spokesperson for Governor Newsom, confirmed the independent review aims to provide an accurate account of the fire’s events and the response from involved agencies. The changes made to the LAFD report have drawn scrutiny, suggesting efforts to enhance the department’s image rather than offer an unvarnished evaluation of its shortcomings.
Reports indicate that critical failures, including the lack of sufficient staffing and attack deployment ahead of extreme weather conditions, were significantly minimized. For instance, the final version of the report claimed that the number of engine deployments exceeded the department’s pre-deployment standards, contrasting with earlier drafts that explicitly pointed out failures in following established guidelines.
Public and Political Reactions
- Community members and officials expressed frustration over the report’s edits.
- Gene Cameron, a resident impacted by the fire, condemned the revisions as an attempt at a cover-up.
- City Councilmember Traci Park urged for transparency, stating that LAFD should not self-investigate its actions.
Cook’s email, which was released to the public partly due to media inquiries, emphasizes the necessity for an honest assessment of the fire response. Councilmember Park has initiated a separate independent investigation to ensure complete accountability for the incident.
Call for Transparency in Emergency Management
The ongoing discontent regarding the LAFD’s edits has sparked a broader conversation about transparency in emergency management, particularly following significant disasters. The public demands comprehensive insights to prevent future tragedies and ensure responsible oversight of fire safety protocols.
In light of these developments, it remains crucial that fire officials and the city take steps to restore public trust through open and honest reporting. Further investigations are needed to ascertain accountability and necessary reforms to improve fire safety operations.
