The Palisades Fire Didn't Have to Happen

The Palisades Fire, Santa Ana winds, arson, and system failure collided in Los Angeles. This investigation examines how wind-driven wildfire, infrastructure breakdowns, and human intent weaponized the weather.

The Palisades Fire wasn’t just a wildfire—it was a case study in how extreme weather is exploited. In this investigation, I examine how a single spark, 80-mph Santa Ana winds, and a chain of systemic failures combined to destroy nearly 5,000 homes. What followed exposed vulnerabilities far beyond fire behavior: broken infrastructure, jurisdictional confusion, and dry fire hydrants that failed when it mattered most.

This documentary features firsthand accounts from residents who lost everything, and forensic fire investigators who understand how wind-driven disasters are exploited.

Online, “weaponized weather” is often framed as a conspiracy. The reality is far simpler—and more dangerous. You don’t need to create extreme weather; you only need to know when the system is most vulnerable. This is a story about accountability, preparedness, and what happens when the infrastructure we trust breaks under pressure.

00:00 Intro
02:01 Memories of January 7, 2025
05:46 A broken system in LA
08:13 An arrest in the arson case
12:07 Dealing with the Palisades Fire a Year Later
17:05 LA threatens wildfire victims with fines
20:00 Recovery is slowly happening in Pacific Palisades
23:19 When do things get back to normal?

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