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Jaime Moore Confirmed as LAFD Chief, Will Order Independent Lachman Fire Inquiry

He takes office vowing an outside review to rebuild trust after reports that warnings about lingering hot spots went unheeded.

Overview

  • Los Angeles City Council approved Moore’s appointment, and he said commissioning an outside investigation into the Lachman mop‑up will be an early action.
  • He emphasized accountability and morale, garnering public support from the firefighters union as he seeks to restore confidence inside the department and with residents.
  • An LAFD after‑action report detailed major breakdowns during the Jan. 7 Palisades Fire, including an undersized initial dispatch, radio confusion, lags in assignments, and a staging area overrun by flames.
  • Federal investigators served a grand jury subpoena for LAFD communications about possible smoke or hot spots near the Lachman site, while an arson case tied to the initial ignition remains pending with a not‑guilty plea.
  • Moore outlined reforms such as requiring heat‑detecting drones and thermal imaging during mop‑up, reviewing 42 recommendations, and improving pre‑deployment and staffing for future high‑risk events.