Report by Witt O’Brien’s evaluates emergency operations, evacuation procedures, and coordination efforts; findings to be presented publicly March 9 and April 1
The City of Malibu has completed an independent After-Action Review examining how emergency operations were managed during the 2024 Franklin Fire and the 2025 Palisades Fire, with findings set to be presented publicly next month.
City officials announced that the After-Action Review, or AAR, will be presented to the Malibu City Council at its March 9 meeting and to the Public Safety Commission on April 1. Both meetings will include opportunities for public comment, and the City Council meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube for those unable to attend in person.
The report focuses specifically on the City’s emergency management functions and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) processes during the two major wildfire incidents. Areas reviewed include interagency coordination, internal and external communication, evacuation procedures, and operational decision-making during the emergencies.
The independent review was prepared by Witt O’Brien’s, a nationally recognized emergency management and disaster response firm commissioned by the City. Officials said the firm was selected as part of Malibu’s commitment to transparency and accountability, and to ensure that lessons learned from recent disasters are incorporated into future planning and response efforts.
Like all after-action reviews, the report identifies strengths as well as areas for improvement. It includes a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening emergency operations, enhancing communication systems, refining evacuation protocols, and improving coordination among agencies and departments.
City officials noted that some of the recommendations are already being implemented, while others will require additional policy discussions and may be subject to future budget considerations. The review is intended to serve as a roadmap for continuous improvement rather than a one-time assessment, according to the City.
The Franklin Fire in 2024 and the Palisades Fire in 2025 tested Malibu’s emergency response systems during periods of heightened fire danger across Los Angeles County. Both incidents prompted evacuations and activated the City’s Emergency Operations Center, requiring close coordination with regional fire agencies, law enforcement, and county partners.
Officials emphasized that this AAR is separate from a report released by Los Angeles County in September 2025 examining the Eaton and Palisades fires. The County’s report reviewed broader regional operations, while Malibu’s AAR focuses solely on the City’s internal emergency management structure and decision-making processes.
By commissioning an independent firm, the City aimed to provide an objective assessment of how its systems performed under real-world conditions and where enhancements can be made.
Community members are encouraged to review the complete After-Action Review report and a companion Q&A document prepared by the City to explain key findings and recommendations. Residents are also invited to attend the March 9 City Council meeting to learn more about the report, ask questions, and provide public comment.
City leaders said community engagement is an essential part of strengthening Malibu’s preparedness for future emergencies, particularly as wildfire risk remains a persistent concern for coastal and canyon communities.
The full AAR and the Q&A sheet are available on the City’s website.