Investigation finds communication failures and tactical errors in 2025 Los Angeles wildfires

Governor Gavin Newsom commissioned one outlet's review by the UL Research Institute, which found extensive communication failures and institutional disconnects during the Jan. 7, 2025 Palisades and Eaton wildfires. The report notes that paramedics in West Altadena observed severe ember storms but were not integrated into the incident command, so their warnings were never relayed. Most West Altadena residents did not receive mandatory evacuation orders until the fire had already engulfed the community.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department’s incident command center at the Rose Bowl remained unaware of the fire’s westward movement until daylight hours, and the city fire department neglected to re-inspect a smoldering site in Topanga State Park despite red-flag warnings. Commanders lacked experience with large-scale wildfires, and the police and fire departments operated on separate, conflicting evacuation maps. Conditions only improved after Cal Fire assumed control on Jan. 8, 2025. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger called for a thorough review and comparison with existing after-action reports.