Senators Rick Scott and Ron Johnson have requested records from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) as part of a congressional investigation into the Pacific Palisades wildfires that occurred in January 2025. The request was made in letters sent to former LAFD Fire Chief Kristin Crowley and interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva.
The investigation follows reports of significant property damage and loss of life caused by the Palisades fire, which struck Los Angeles County along with other wildfires at the start of 2025. According to public accounts, questions have been raised about wildfire preparedness and emergency response efforts in Los Angeles County. Allegations include reductions in LAFD’s operational budget for Fiscal Year 2024–2025 by nearly $18 million and a decrease of 61 positions, despite requests for additional resources and personnel. A preliminary report from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power in July 2025 also identified problems with water systems necessary for fire suppression, such as fire hydrants losing pressure.
In their letter, Senators Scott and Johnson stated: “In January 2025, Los Angeles County, California was devastated by a number of wildfires, including the Palisades fire, which caused billions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses and resulted in loss of life. Public reports have since raised questions about Los Angeles County wildfire preparations and the response to the January 2025 wildfires, including the Palisades fire. For example, reports have alleged that, despite repeated pleas for additional resources and personnel, Los Angeles slashed the Los Angeles Fire Department’s (LAFD) operational budget for Fiscal Year 2024–2025 by nearly $18 million and 61 positions. Further, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s July 2025 preliminary report found issues with critical water systems necessary for fire suppression, such as fire hydrants losing pressure.”
The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations is conducting a review under Senate Resolution 94 (119th Congress), focusing on wildfire mitigation strategies and suppression responses in Los Angeles County. The senators are seeking all records related to the Palisades fire from December 28, 2024 onward; documents regarding prevention measures such as funding requests, training initiatives, technology updates, staffing levels, infrastructure improvements; pre-deployment details for assets during the fires; communications between city agencies; after-action reports; information on any employment actions connected to leadership changes within LAFD; among other materials.
Recipients were asked to provide all relevant records dating back to February 1, 2022 no later than October 1, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. EDT.
