LAFD insider is appointed chief

Jaime Moore says he'll bring in outside group to look into handling of Jan. 1 Lachman fire.

- By ALENE TCHEKMEDYIAN

GENARO MOLINA Los Angeles Times JAIME MOORE acknowledges applause after his confirmation as LAFD chief.

As Jaime Moore prepares to take the helm of the Los Angeles Fire Department, he said he plans to commission an outside investigation into missteps by fire officials during the mop-up of a small brush fire that reignited days later into the destructive Palisades fire.

Mayor Karen Bass had requested a probe late last month in response to reporting by The Times that firefighters were ordered to roll up their hoses and leave the burn area of the Lachman fire, even though they had complained that the ground was still smoldering.

Moore — a 30-year department veteran whose appointment as chief was confirmed Friday by the Los Angeles City Council — said the reports have generated “understandable mistrust” in the agency.

The Times found that at least one battalion chief assigned to the LAFD’s risk management section knew about the complaints for months, but that the department kept that information hidden despite Palisades fire victims pleading for answers about whether more could have been done to protect their community.

On Wednesday, Moore told the council’s public safety committee that bringing in an outside organization to investigate the LAFD’s handling of the Jan. 1 Lachman fire would be one of his first moves as chief.

“Transparency and accountability are vital to ensure that we learn from every incident and it is essential if we are to restore confidence in our fire department,” Moore said. “As fire chief, I will focus on rebuilding trust, not just with the public, but within the LAFD itself." He reiterated those remarks on Friday before the council voted 12 to 0 to confirm his appointment.

"Together, we will modernize our operations, invest in our people and continue to protect this great city we all call home," he said.