ATF to Conduct ‘Controlled Fire Testing’ Along Temescal Ridge Trail

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will conduct “controlled fire testing” in the Highlands area beginning the evening of Tuesday, April 29, through Thursday, May 1, the agency reported on Monday, April 28.

The ATF National Response Team was deployed on Monday, January 13, to investigate the Palisades fire, which began on January 7. ATF Special Agent in Charge (National Center for Explosives Training and Research) Brice McCracken said at the time that “NRT is committed to working closely with our partners to determine the origin and cause of the Pacific Palisades fire.”

Councilmember Traci Park wrote on April 28 that “federal investigators will conduct a controlled fire test … as part of the investigation into January’s devastating fire.” She noted that testing would “probably” begin around 11 p.m.

“While this scientific testing will periodically include open flame in a small area that may be visible at a distance, it does not involve the burning of vegetation,” Los Angeles Fire Department wrote in a statement regarding the testing. “Los Angeles Fire Department personnel will be present before, during and after all testing to ensure public safety and environmental protection.”

The testing will take place in the Santa Monica Mountains along Temescal Ridge Trail between Skull Rock and Green Peak, according to LAFD. ATF wrote “the public should avoid the area during this time.”

“During this time period, there is no cause for public concern or need to report the small testing flames that may be periodically visible near Temescal Ridge to 911,” the statement continued. “Due to the remote terrain and logistics, there are no provisions for media or public access, and aircraft/drone pilots are instructed to follow any FAA-issued restrictions for the area.”

The Palisades fire—which grew to 23,448 acres—was first reported near 1190 Piedra Morada Drive at 10:30 a.m. on January 7. It remained active for 24 days before being declared 100% contained on January 31.

A spokesperson for ATF confirmed to the Palisadian-Post on April 28 that its work in the Palisades “remains an ongoing investigation,” with “no timeline at the moment” for its estimated completion.

“ATF is committed to completing a thorough and detailed origin and cause report for the Pacific Palisades fire,” according to the spokesperson.