Author of LAFD Palisades fire report declined to endorse final version, called it 'highly unprofessional'

"The document has undergone substantial modifications and contains significant deletions of information that, in some instances, alter the conclusions originally presented. While I fully understand the need to address potential liability concerns and to modify certain sections in consultation with the City Attorney to mitigate litigation risks, the current version appears highly unprofessional and inconsistent with our established standards. I strongly urge you to reconsider publishing the report as it stands."

"Cook has declined to comment. The LAFD has refused to answer questions from The Times about the deletions and revisions. The Times first disclosed the changes in an article posted Saturday that analyzed seven drafts of the after-action report, obtained through a public records request. The most significant changes involved the LAFD's deployment decisions before the fire, as the wind warnings became increasingly dire."

Battalion Chief Kenneth Cook declined to endorse the Los Angeles Fire Department after-action report an hour after its Oct. 8 publication, citing substantial modifications and deletions that altered original conclusions. Cook acknowledged liability concerns and consultation with the City Attorney but described the revised version as unprofessional and inconsistent with established standards and urged reconsideration of publication. He warned the final findings may conflict with a governor-commissioned January wildfires report and then declined to comment. The LAFD refused to answer questions about deletions. Seven drafts obtained via public records show the largest changes involved deployment decisions as wind warnings worsened.

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