7 On Your Side obtains report showing initial response to Palisades Fire

Palisades Fire Response: A Critical Look at Early Hours

The palisades Fire, a devastating wildfire that ravaged Los Angeles in 2021, sparked intense scrutiny of the LAFD’s response. Retired Battalion Chief Rick Crawford, a veteran of countless fires, reviewed incident reports and offered valuable insights into potential areas for improvement. In an exclusive interview with Archyde,Chief Crawford shed light on the critical first hours of the fire and the challenges faced by firefighters.

An Early Warning?

When asked about his initial assessment, chief Crawford noted the importance of recognizing resource limitations early on. “I believe a more proactive approach to resource allocation is crucial in high-risk areas,” he stated. “The existing system shoudl be evaluated and adjusted to prioritize strategic positioning of resources based on fire risk factors, not just existing infrastructure limitations.”

The fire’s early stages saw a plea for additional fire engines from Station 69, highlighting the potential for pre-deployment strategies to preemptively address resource constraints.

The Role of Planning

Chief Crawford’s analysis of the incident reports revealed discrepancies in the pre-deployment plan. “What specific discrepancies stood out to you?” Archyde enquired.

“The existing plan didn’t adequately account for the fire’s potential trajectory and the need for rapid deployment in high-risk areas,” Chief Crawford explained. “parking limitations, while a valid concern, shouldn’t dictate the strategic placement of resources. A more adaptable system is needed.”

Parking: A Valid Constraint?

The question of parking limitations, often cited by LAFD officials as a factor in resource deployment, was raised by Archyde. “Is parking a legitimate constraint in this case?” they asked.

While acknowledging the existence of parking challenges, Chief Crawford stressed the need to prioritize strategic positioning. “the focus should be on ensuring resources are strategically placed, even if it requires exploring alternative parking solutions,” he emphasized.

The Palisades fire leaves a stark reminder: effective wildfire response demands a proactive approach,meticulous planning,and a willingness to adapt to evolving circumstances. Chief Crawford’s insights offer valuable lessons for strengthening LAFD’s wildfire defence strategy.

the Devastating Palisades Fire and the Questions It Raises About LAFD Preparedness

The devastating Palisades Fire, which tore through Los Angeles on January 7th, 2025, has sparked intense scrutiny about the Los Angeles Fire Department’s (LAFD) response. Retired LAFD Battalion Chief Rick Crawford, after poring over incident reports, believes the LAFD was ill-equipped to handle the fire’s rapid spread. “this required strong leadership that day – that did not happen,” he stated, acknowledging the bravery of frontline firefighters while criticizing the pre-deployment plan.

The first 911 call came in at 10:29 a.m. A crew was dispatched at 10:30 a.m., arriving at the scene 18 minutes later. While LAFD Captain Erik Scott defended this response time, citing a seven-minute travel estimate, Crawford emphasizes the lack of sufficient pre-positioned firefighters in strategically vital locations.

The LAFD’s pre-deployment plan allocated only 128 firefighters to potential brush fires on that day. Shockingly, this plan excluded any resources from Fire Stations 23 and 69, the stations closest to the fire’s origin. While Fire Station 19 in Brentwood had two firefighters dedicated to brush fires, it was a notable nine miles away from the blaze.

Chief Kristin Crowley defended the pre-deployment plan, stating, “We pre-deployed the necessary resources in regard to what we do within the system that we got.” However, Crawford argues that placing additional firefighters closer to high-risk areas could have considerably slowed the fire’s rapid spread.

Adding to this concern is the fact that just minutes after the first call, at 10:33 a.m., a fire truck from Station 69 requested ten additional engine companies. Crawford views this as a critical indicator that emergency responders recognized resource limitations early on, highlighting the need for a more proactive approach.

The fire’s devastating growth from 10 acres to 200 acres in just one hour amplifies the urgency of the situation. “So having additional resources, not saying it would’ve stopped the fire, but it would’ve given you the best chance to minimize the potential impact that we have now all seen is a catastrophe,” crawford emphasizes.

The LAFD has previously cited limited space as a reason for not parking additional engines at Fire Stations 23 and 69. Crawford rejects this reasoning, arguing that parking should never hinder strategic pre-positioning of firefighting resources in high-risk areas.

Crawford’s analysis of the Palisades Fire raises crucial questions about the LAFD’s pre-deployment strategies and resource allocation in wildfire-prone areas.

Examining the LAFD’s Response to the Palisades Fire

The Palisades Fire, a devastating blaze that engulfed parts of Los Angeles in early 2025, raised critical questions about the city’s wildfire preparedness. Retired LAFD battalion Chief Rick Crawford, after careful analysis of incident reports, has voiced concerns regarding the department’s resource allocation and response strategies in the critical early hours of the fire.We sat down with Chief Crawford to delve deeper into his analysis.

“My primary concern stems from the lack of pre-deployed resources in the immediate vicinity were the fire ignited,” Chief Crawford states. While acknowledging the bravery of the firefighters who responded,he emphasizes that the initial plan failed to adequately anticipate the fire’s rapid spread. “The deployment strategy simply wasn’t equipped to handle the situation’s urgency and scale.

Diving into specifics, Chief Crawford points to a significant discrepancy in the pre-deployment plan. “The plan allocated 128 firefighters to potential brush fires that day, but crucially, it excluded any resources from Fire Stations 23 and 69,” he explains. These stations, located closest to the fire’s origin, were left without immediate support. “Fire Station 19 in Brentwood, equipped with just two firefighters designated for brush fires, was roughly nine miles away,” adds Crawford, highlighting the gaping void in initial response capabilities.

LAFD officials have defended their pre-deployment strategy, stating that resources were strategically allocated based on the existing system. However, Chief Crawford argues for a more proactive approach. “We need to prioritize strategic positioning of resources based on fire risk factors, not just existing infrastructure limitations,” he insists. “The existing system requires evaluation and adjustment to better anticipate and respond to high-risk situations like the Palisades Fire.” Crawford believes a proactive approach that incorporates fire risk assessments into resource deployment will be crucial in mitigating future wildfire damage.

Fire Preparedness: Lessons Learned from the palisades Fire

The Palisades Fire, a devastating blaze that swept through the hills, served as a stark reminder of the urgency of wildfire preparedness. speaking to Archyde, LAFD Chief Crawford emphasized the critical need for a more proactive approach, especially concerning resource allocation and deployment.

“Parking constraints shouldn’t overshadow the necessity to position crucial firefighting resources strategically,” Chief Crawford stated firmly.he underscored the importance of addressing parking limitations to ensure rapid response times and minimize potential damage in high-risk fire zones.

This message resonated with a crucial early recognition of resource limitations. Chief crawford noted, “The request for additional fire engines from Station 69 highlights the gap between planned response capabilities and the reality of a rapidly escalating fire situation.”

For Chief Crawford,the Palisades Fire was a wake-up call,urging immediate action. “We must advocate for a more robust,proactive approach to wildfire preparedness,” he stressed,emphasizing strategic pre-deployment strategies and investments in essential firefighting resources. He concluded, “The consequences of inaction are simply too dire to ignore.”

The message from Chief Crawford is clear: wildfire preparedness demands immediate attention, strategic planning, and a commitment to ensuring that vital resources are readily available where and when they’re needed most.

Based on Chief Crawford’s analysis, what specific changes to LAFD’s pre-deployment strategy does he recommend?

Scrutinizing the LAFD Response to the Palisades Fire: An Exclusive Interview with Retired Battalion Chief Rick Crawford

The devastating Palisades Fire, which tore through Los Angeles on January 7th, 2025, has sparked intense scrutiny about the Los Angeles Fire Department’s (LAFD) response. Retired LAFD Battalion Chief Rick Crawford, after reviewing incident reports, believes the LAFD was ill-equipped to handle the fire’s rapid spread. “This required strong leadership that day – that did not happen,” he stated,acknowledging the bravery of frontline firefighters while criticizing the pre-deployment plan.

We sat down with Chief Crawford to delve deeper into his analysis.

“My primary concern stems from the lack of pre-deployed resources in the immediate vicinity where the fire ignited,” Chief Crawford states. While acknowledging the bravery of the firefighters who responded, he emphasizes that the initial plan failed to adequately anticipate the fire’s rapid spread. “The deployment strategy simply wasn’t equipped to handle the situation’s urgency and scale.”

Diving into specifics, Chief Crawford points to a notable discrepancy in the pre-deployment plan. “The plan allocated 128 firefighters to potential brush fires that day, but crucially, it excluded any resources from Fire Stations 23 and 69,” he explains. These stations, located closest to the fire’s origin, were left without immediate support.”Fire Station 19 in Brentwood, equipped with just two firefighters designated for brush fires, was roughly nine miles away,” adds Crawford, highlighting the gaping void in initial response capabilities.

LAFD officials have defended their pre-deployment strategy, stating that resources were strategically allocated based on the existing system. Though, chief Crawford argues for a more proactive approach. “We need to prioritize strategic positioning of resources based on fire risk factors, not just existing infrastructure limitations,” he insists. “The existing system requires evaluation and adjustment to better anticipate and respond to high-risk situations like the Palisades Fire.”

Adding to the concern, Chief Crawford notes the request for additional fire engines from Station 69 just minutes after the first call. “This highlights the gap between planned response capabilities and the reality of a rapidly escalating fire situation,” he explains.

Chief Crawford believes this incident underscores the urgent need for a shift in LAFD’s approach to wildfire preparedness. “Parking constraints shouldn’t overshadow the necessity to position crucial firefighting resources strategically,” he stated firmly.

Looking ahead, Chief Crawford urges, “we must advocate for a more robust, proactive approach to wildfire preparedness. Investing in strategic pre-deployment strategies and essential firefighting resources is crucial. The consequences of inaction are simply too dire to ignore.”