Senate Homeland Sec SubCmte Hearing: Palisades Fire, Still a Disaster One Year Later
One Year After Disaster: Experts Weigh in on the Palisades Fire
Committee: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Subcommittee: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations
https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/subcommittees/investigations/hearings/one-year-after-disaster-experts-weigh-in-on-the-palisades-fire/
Sen. Rick Scott: One Year After the Palisades Fire, Residents Still Await Accountability and Answers
https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/1/sen-rick-scott-one-year-after-the-palisades-fire-residents-still-await-accountability-and-answers
President Trump signs executive order aimed at taking over wildfire rebuilding process in LA County
https://abc7.com/post/trump-signs-executive-order-aimed-taking-la-wildfire-rebuilding-newsom-says-money-is-main-obstacle/18485949/
WITNESSES
PATRICK BUTLER
Fire Chief and Harbor Master
Redondo Beach Fire Department
RICK CRAWFORD
Former Battalion Chief
Los Angeles Fire Department
SPENCER HAWKINS
Government Affairs Committee Chair
International Association of Emergency Managers
Palisades Fire one year after the disaster reveals a community still grappling with recovery, loss, and systemic failures.
1. The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, burned 23,448 acres, destroyed 6,837 structures, and claimed 12 lives. It was sparked by the earlier Lachman Fire on January 1, which smoldered underground before reigniting due to hurricane-force Santa Ana winds.
2. Rebuilding remains slow: Only 10 homes have been fully rebuilt, with most in the Altadena area. In Pacific Palisades, only one home has received a certificate of occupancy, and none in Malibu are complete.
3. Accountability and criticism: Survivors and officials continue to demand answers. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley was fired, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faced backlash for being out of the country during the crisis. An independent review cited outdated alert systems, inconsistent practices, and communication failures.
4. Legal actions: Jonathan Rinderknecht, a 29-year-old former Uber driver, faces federal arson charges for allegedly starting the Lachman Fire. He pleaded not guilty and could face up to 45 years in prison. His trial is set for April 21, 2026.
5. Recovery milestones: Palisades Charter High School reopened on January 27, 2026, marking a symbolic step forward. The first rebuilt home in Altadena received its certificate of occupancy in December 2025.
6. Ongoing challenges: Over 70% of affected families remain displaced. Health concerns persist due to toxic debris, with 63% of tested homes showing lead levels over 60 times the EPA’s safety standard. The state has passed emergency rebuilding laws to streamline permits and offer tax relief.
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