Firefighter Testifies on Luckman Fire’s Aftermath

A firefighter from Los Angeles testified in a January lawsuit that his team was ordered to abandon efforts at the Luckman Fire, which subsequently spread and led to the Palisades Fire.

Scott Pike, a veteran with 23 years at the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), shared his experience while working overtime on January 2. He was tasked with retrieving hoses when he noticed approximately five areas still emitting smoke.

“It was so hot that I didn’t want to use my gloved hands, so I kicked it with my boot to expose it, and there was something like red-hot coal still smoldering. I could even hear it crackling,” he mentioned.

Pike’s testimony, which city lawyers initially sought to keep confidential along with other depositions from fellow firefighters, aligns with earlier findings. A battalion chief had instructed the crew to pack up and leave, despite evident signs that the fire wasn’t fully extinguished.

“I felt a little blown away,” he recalled about informing other firefighters of his findings at the scene.

He attempted to alert the captain, saying, “Hey, Cap… we have a whole hot spot. We’ve got some ash holes. This is a warning to reconfirm the entire area, and we may need to change tactics.” However, the captain did not alter their approach.

“It really stuck with me that no one listened to me,” Pike added.

An LAFD official claimed, “The Luckman Fire was completely extinguished by January 2nd.” Yet, despite this assertion, the after-action report gave minimal attention to the Palisades Fire that broke out soon after on January 6, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life. Pike reported that he was never consulted for a follow-up.

“Of all the firefighters we expelled, only one had the courage to tell the truth: that his fellow firefighters and the captain ignored his warnings,” stated Alex Robertson, an attorney for the victims of the Palisades Fire.