A report on the Palisades Fire, released on October 2, 2026, details significant delays in evacuation alerts for residents during the January 2025 fire that resulted in 12 fatalities. The 724-page analysis, conducted by UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute at the request of California Governor Gavin Newsom, indicates that some residents did not receive evacuation notifications until 40 to 90 minutes after the fire began. The report attributes the delay to outdated processes and software transitions, as well as a fast-moving fire exacerbated by strong winds.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) faced criticism for sending firefighters home despite the dangerous conditions, while Los Angeles County maintained its firefighting force, nearly doubling the number of firefighters on duty. The report notes that LAFD's attempts to recall off-duty firefighters were hampered by a system that overwhelmed communication lines with calls from around the world.
Mayor Karen Bass acknowledged the report's findings and stated that new leadership at the LAFD has implemented 92% of the recommendations from an internal review. Governor Newsom emphasized the need for improved preparedness in response to climate-driven wildfire threats. The report also examined the Eaton Fire, which occurred the same night and resulted in 19 deaths, highlighting systemic issues in California's fire response protocols.