LA Mayor Karen Bass has delayed the release of an after-action report on the Palisades fire amid a federal investigation, drawing criticism from community groups. The delay, requested by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, aims to prevent interference with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives inquiry into the cause of the historic January blaze. This decision has sparked backlash from local residents and advocacy groups, who argue that the public deserves transparency regarding the city’s response to the disaster.
Under California law, local governments are required to issue an after-action report following declared disasters. However, the federal investigation into the Palisades Fire has prompted city officials to delay the publication of the report. The city anticipates lawsuits linked to the response, potentially carrying legal and financial implications for Los Angeles. Sources close to Mayor Bass have indicated that the report will outline the city’s resource allocation and management strategies during the fire.
The Palisades Fire, which ignited in January, consumed over 23,000 acres, destroyed more than 6,800 structures, and resulted in 12 fatalities. The disaster led to the evacuation of nearly 100,000 residents, with estimated damages ranging from $28 billion to $54 billion, making it the third-most destructive wildfire in California’s history. The city’s delay in releasing the report has intensified calls for accountability, with critics questioning the timing of the delay given the scale of the disaster.
Mayor Bass’ office stated that the delay is to preserve the integrity of the federal investigation and that the report will be released in coordination with the Department of Justice once the probe is complete. Meanwhile, community leaders and residents continue to demand answers, highlighting the tension between federal jurisdiction and local transparency obligations. This situation underscores the broader challenges of balancing public accountability with the need for thorough investigations in catastrophic events.