HomeFeaturesInvestigation Underway: Feds Examine Deadly Los Angeles Fires

Investigation Underway: Feds Examine Deadly Los Angeles Fires

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A significant federal investigation was initiated on Tuesday to determine the cause behind the deadly Los Angeles wildfires. The fires, which have left the city reeling, have sparked an outcry from millions who are now demanding explanations for the tragedy that has upended their lives.

In the wake of the devastating fires that ravaged Altadena and the upscale Pacific Palisades, killing 24 people and destroying entire communities, social media has become a fertile ground for speculation. Users are fervently sharing theories—both informed and speculative—about what may have sparked the disaster, as the tragedy continues to dominate conversations across digital platforms.

Speculation about the cause of the devastating fires includes theories such as downed power lines, deliberate arson, an errant firework, or the flare-up of a previous blaze. However, Jose Medina of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), the agency spearheading the investigation, cautioned that it remains too early to draw any conclusions, urging patience as the inquiry unfolds.

“We know everyone wants answers, and the community deserves answers. ATF will give you those answers, but it will be once we complete a thorough investigation,” he told reporters.

Jose Medina stated that the ATF has joined forces with local law enforcement, the Forest Service, and the US Attorney’s office in an operation involving a team of around 75 experts. The group comprises fire investigators, chemists, electrical engineers, and accelerant-sniffing dogs, all of whom will conduct detailed investigations in the field to pinpoint the sources of the two infernos. This multi-agency effort reflects the complexity and gravity of the task at hand.

Read also: Fierce Winds Forecast To Spread Los Angeles Fires More

As part of the wider investigation, a team will focus on gathering community input, seeking crucial clues from residents and eyewitnesses. This process will include both on-the-ground interactions and online interviews, ensuring that the voices of those who may have seen or heard something significant are carefully documented.

“We are following all the leads and processing all the physical evidence,” Medina said.

“ATF is determined to leverage every available resource to deliver a thorough and transparent investigation.”

Internet users have leapt on a video posted by trail runners that shows them running away from smoke in hills above Pacific Palisades.

But one of the men, Beni Oren, told the Los Angeles Times they had nothing to do with the fire, and had actually been fleeing for their lives in the video.

“It’s definitely kind of infuriating that people are blaming us,” he told the paper.

“Just knowing as a matter of fact… that we didn’t do it but then seeing the amount of people that have different theories is overwhelming.”

Local media reported that a number of homeowners in the Altadena area have launched a lawsuit against power company Southern California Edison after a video appeared to show flames at the base of an electrical transmission tower.

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