New LAFD chief supports independent investigation into Lachman Fire

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles Fire Department Deputy Chief Jaime Moore said he's all in on fully investigating how the fire department handled the Lachman Fire, which smoldered and turned into the Palisades Fire.

On Wednesday afternoon, Moore got one step closer to becoming the next chief of the department after Mayor Karen Bass announced him as her pick to fill the role.

As he spoke in front of the Council's Public Safety Commission, Moore said he wants to work together to move the department forward, and he said that means being accountable.

Just a few weeks ago, Bass called for an investigation into how LAFD firefighters responded to the Lachman Fire in January.

7 on Your Side Investigates has spoken to several former LAFD and wildfire investigators, who have said that burn scar should have been closely watched leading into the Santa Ana winds.

The Los Angeles Times reports firefighters who responded to the Lachman Fire warned there were still hot spots, but were ordered to move on.

"Our members were not listened to and were not heard," Moore said in front of the committee. "That is why I am supporting Mayor Bass's request for an independent investigation into the Lachman Fire, because I want to get to the bottom of it."

He said it's crucial that the LAFD rebuilds trust with not only the public, but with its own firefighters.

Members of the LAFD union voiced their solid support for Deputy Chief Wednesday at this week's council committee meeting. One of those union reps said there has been eight months of no leadership at LAFD.

Comments like that back up what Eyewitness News is hearing from sources that there is mounting frustration in the LAFD rank and file.