Lack of coordination led to evacuation delays and chaos during Palisades fire, LAPD report says

"A lack of coordination between the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Fire Department contributed to evacuation delays and chaos during the Palisades fire, according to a new after-action report from the LAPD. The Los Angeles Police Department had difficulties coordinating with other agencies during the blaze namely the Los Angeles Fire Department and a lack of stable communication channels and technology, according to the report, released Tuesday, Nov. 4."

"The Palisades fire burned over 23,448 acres in Los Angeles, killed 12 and damaged or destroyed over 7,000 structures. The Los Angeles Fire Department released its own after-action report in October after Jonathan Rinderknecht, suspected of starting an earlier fire that led to the Palisades fire, was arrested. The LAFD report identified staffing shortages and intense winds as chief challenges during its response."

Coordination gaps between LAPD and LAFD and unstable communication systems contributed to evacuation delays and chaotic conditions during the Palisades fire. LAPD had limited experience working with agencies beyond the City of Los Angeles in dynamic disaster-response scenarios. The Palisades fire burned over 23,448 acres, killed 12 people, and damaged or destroyed over 7,000 structures. LAFD faced staffing shortages and intense winds that challenged its response. LAPD implemented a 29-day tactical alert, deployed over 700 officers per day at the fire’s peak, and coordinated with LAFD, Cal Fire, and the California National Guard. Ninety crimes and 19 arrests occurred in the evacuation zone, including burglary and impersonating an officer. The response highlighted the need for unified command, improved equipment, and more stable communications.

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