As Los Angeles battles devastating wildfires, the prevailing narrative has often pointed to climate change as the primary culprit. However, new allegations suggest that human actions—possibly arson—may have ignited at least one of these destructive blazes.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, a senior firefighter revealed that a resident allegedly captured a video showing two men using gasoline to start a fire in Pacific Palisades.
The unnamed Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) official told the newspaper, “We had a resident come to us and said he got a video of two men dumping gas and lighting it off.”
The firefighter explained that due to the chaos of battling the fires, the resident was advised to take the footage to the police.
Firefighter reveals two men were caught on camera lighting fire just before Palisades blaze erupted in LA. –@MailOnline pic.twitter.com/NyfUoNnhHk
— Bella (@stockbella) January 11, 2025
This bombshell revelation raises questions about the origins of the wildfire and the possibility of criminal intent behind the disaster.
Despite the explosive nature of the allegation, the fate of the supposed video remains unclear. The Daily Mail reported that it could not verify whether the footage was handed over to law enforcement or if any investigation followed.
Repeated requests to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for clarification on the alleged evidence went unanswered, leaving the public in the dark about whether authorities are pursuing arson as a potential cause.
While the arson allegation has dominated discussions, some residents in the affected area believe illegal fireworks may have sparked the initial fire.
Residents on North Piedra Morada Drive noted that fireworks were heard on New Year’s Eve, just hours before the first blaze erupted. Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire early on January 1, but some locals speculated that it may have smoldered underground, leading to the larger blaze that reignited days later.
Andrew Hires, a neuroscience professor at the University of Southern California, recounted his experience to the Daily Mail:
“I woke back up at 2 a.m. [on New Year’s Day], and there was a pretty well-involved fire right at the top of the Temescal Ridge trailhead,” Hires said.
The trailhead, a popular spot for hikers, is also a place where people often gather. “The choppers and fire department put it out,” he added.
Hires described how earlier this week, he began smelling smoke again and received a text from a neighbor with a photo of flames in the same spot where the original fire had occurred.
“How did that start? I don’t know. But the precise overlap of the starting locations would suggest that it’s related to the January 1 fire,” Hires said.
This overlap has fueled speculation among residents that the initial fire may not have been fully extinguished or that it reignited due to embers left behind.
The combination of allegations—arson involving gasoline and the possible role of fireworks—has created a swirl of speculation and concern among residents. However, the lack of communication from law enforcement has only added to the uncertainty.
Despite repeated inquiries from journalists, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has not confirmed whether an investigation is underway or if arson has been ruled out.
This silence leaves both locals and wildfire experts grappling with unanswered questions about the true cause of the blaze.
Wildfires in California have caused catastrophic damage, displacing families, destroying homes, and impacting air quality for millions. While climate change often exacerbates wildfire conditions, human actions—whether intentional or accidental—play a significant role in sparking fires.
Allegations of arson, if proven, would highlight the need for stricter oversight and enforcement to prevent such acts. Meanwhile, if fireworks are confirmed as the cause, they underscore the dangers of reckless behavior during dry seasons.
As the investigation into the Pacific Palisades fire continues, the lack of clarity and communication from authorities has left residents frustrated and searching for answers. Allegations of arson, missing video evidence, and suspicions of fireworks all point to a complex and unresolved case.
In the meantime, the community remains vigilant, hoping that authorities will provide clarity and hold anyone responsible accountable. Whether through criminal intent or careless actions, the fires have left a lasting impact on Pacific Palisades and beyond, serving as a stark reminder of the destructive power of human influence on natural disasters.
