Overview
- The subpoena seeks all texts and other communications about reports of fire, smoke or hotspots from 10 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 10 a.m. on Jan. 7 in the Lachman fire area.
- An internal LAFD memo attributes the request to an ATF-led criminal investigation, with no public confirmation that it is linked to the case against Jonathan Rinderknecht.
- Firefighter messages previously reported by the Los Angeles Times described smoldering ground and hot stumps as a battalion chief directed crews to leave the burn area on Jan. 2.
- Mayor Karen Bass ordered an internal review of LAFD actions after the texts surfaced, while critics continue to call for an independent inquiry.
- Rinderknecht, arrested in October and accused of starting the Jan. 1 fire, has pleaded not guilty, a federal trial is set for April 21, and he faces up to 45 years if convicted.