But plaintiffs’ attorneys allege the state should have done more to monitor the burn scar and ensure the area was safe. California State Parks says no one from its agency interfered with fire suppression or mop up or influenced LAFD’s decision to not use bulldozers. Immediately after the fire ignited, California State Parks staffers exchanged worried notes via text and a park ranger was dispatched to the command post. The first park ranger on the burn scar Jan. 1 testified that she saw smoldering and that wildfires can smolder for days. Ultimately, the courts will decide whether the state should have done more to monitor the Lachman burn scar.

Source: Los Angeles Times December 28, 2025 02:23 UTC