A controlled fire test being conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms that began Tuesday night may help investigators figure out the root cause of the devastating Palisades Fire.
The testing is taking place in an isolated part of the Santa Monica Mountains just north of Pacific Palisades in the area where the fire was thought to have started.
One theory investigators have is that a hotspot from a small fire that broke out on New Year’s Day could be the root cause of the Palisades Fire. Although the flames were put out in a matter of hours, investigators have not ruled out the possibility of an underground hot spot igniting six days after the initial fire.
Nearby residents have received confirmation from officials, including L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, that the controlled burn being conducted will be constantly monitored.
“I hope people understand that they will be safe. This is completely controlled,” Bass said. “I would anticipate – but I don’t have specific information – that the ATF will announce the results in a couple of months.”
One neighbor told KTLA that while the reassurance was comforting, the thought of another fire near his forever-altered community made him slightly uneasy.
“It’s more comforting to know that they have [fire crews] here,” said Larry Vein. “They are [conducting the controlled burn] in an isolated area…[but] for the community, who has gone through this trauma, it’s better to have more information and know in advance.”
The controlled burn testing will wrap up on Thursday night, according to the ATF.
