In January 2025, the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles resulted in significant destruction, with thousands of homes lost. A newly discovered Wildfire Management Plan, issued by California State Parks shortly before the fire, indicates a policy preference to allow certain areas, including Topanga State Park, to burn during wildfire events, despite their proximity to residential neighborhoods.

The document, prepared in December 2024, was revealed through legal proceedings related to a civil lawsuit against the state. Attorney Alexander "Trey" Robinson, representing affected residents, claims the plan outlines procedures that may have restricted local firefighters from fully extinguishing an earlier fire, the Lachman Fire, which was ignited by alleged arsonist Jonathan Rinderknecht.

Federal investigators have linked the Palisades Fire to the Lachman Fire, which was initially contained by local firefighters. However, text messages indicate that firefighters were ordered to leave the scene despite concerns about lingering hot spots. This decision is now viewed as critical, as the fire reignited under extreme weather conditions, exacerbated by seasonal Santa Ana winds.

Residents have raised questions about the decision to withdraw firefighting efforts, particularly given the risk of fire spreading to nearby homes. Some have alleged that State Parks officials restricted the use of heavy equipment to manage the fire due to concerns for protected plant species.

Governor Gavin Newsom has denied state responsibility for the fire, labeling the residents involved in the lawsuit as "opportunistic plaintiffs." However, evidence, including a photograph of a State Parks employee interacting with firefighters, suggests a connection between state management practices and the fire's escalation.

The Wildfire Management Plan includes provisions that limit firefighting techniques in designated "Avoidance Areas" to protect sensitive natural and cultural resources, with instructions to keep this information confidential from the public. This has raised concerns about the adequacy of fire management strategies and the prioritization of environmental considerations over immediate public safety.

Robinson argues that these policies may have hindered the Los Angeles Fire Department's ability to effectively manage the fire, potentially leading to the catastrophic outcomes experienced by the community.