Palisades Fire likely started by NYE fireworks

The Post’s analysis of photos, videos, satellite imagery and radio communications, plus interviews with witnesses, offers new evidence that the Palisades fire started in the area where firefighters had spent hours using helicopters to knock down a blaze six days earlier. Investigators from state and federal agencies descended on this area in recent days, interviewing residents and looking for evidence – including around the burn scar of the New Year’s Eve fire – of what sparked the fire.

The Post’s analysis showed the new fire started in the vicinity of the old fire, raising the possibility the New Year’s Eve fire was reignited, which could occur in windy conditions, experts said.

Residents also told the Post and investigators on scene that firefighters’ response on Tuesday was much slower than on New Year’s Eve – a view confirmed by radio transmissions.