On November 13, the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, Rick Scott, and Ron Johnson, Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, will hold a field hearing in Pacific Palisades, California. The hearing is titled “Forgotten After the Flames: Stories from the Palisades Fire” and forms part of a congressional investigation into the January 2025 Palisades fire.
The fire caused significant damage to the Pacific Palisades community, resulting in billions of dollars in property loss and claiming 12 lives. The hearing aims to highlight survivor and local leader experiences. Organizers state that many community voices have felt ignored following the disaster. The session will also examine government shortcomings at various levels regarding both preparation for and response to the fire.
Committee Chairmen Scott and Johnson have previously sent letters requesting information about responses to the fires from officials such as Los Angeles City Council President, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Janisse Quiñones of the Department of Water and Power, and former Fire Chief Crowley. Additional letters were sent by Chairman Scott to federal officials including USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, DOI Secretary Doug Burgum, Attorney General Pam Bondi, DOT Secretary Sean Duffy, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. One letter asked for review of reports alleging that China has sought to purchase land affected by these wildfires.
Witnesses scheduled for testimony include Tom Doran (caregiver for survivors), David Schwarz (Chairman of Reconstruction Committee), Jessica Rogers (President of Residents Association), John Alle (business owner), as well as Bruce and Rachel Schwartz—all survivors of the Palisades fire.
The hearing will take place at 15247 La Cruz Drive in Pacific Palisades at 9:00 A.M. PT. A live online stream will be available for remote viewing. Accredited media are invited to confirm attendance via press@aging.senate.gov.
