Palisades Fire Likely Had 'Human Origins:' Report

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — As the investigation into the cause of the Palisades Fire continues, officials believe the fire is likely of human origin and are reportedly focusing their probe around a popular hiking spot.

The Palisades Fire was first reported Tuesday, Jan. 7 at around 10:30 a.m. on Piedra Morada Drive, just north of the Palisades Hills Recreation Center. The area is near the Temescal Ridge Trail, beloved for its sweeping ocean views and the nearby Skull Rock.

The Skull Rock area was the site of a New Year's Eve fire that burned 9 acres before it was extinguished with the help of aerial water drops. Investigators believe that fire was sparked by fireworks, the Los Angeles Times reported.

SEE ALSO: Map Of Homes Destroyed In Palisades Fire

Citing sources with knowledge of the investigation, the Times reported that officials are looking into whether that embers from the earlier fire could be the cause of the Palisades Fire.

But the area is a popular hiking area, so it's also possible a new fire was sparked there on Tuesday, the Times reported.

Regardless of the cause, the fire does appear to have human origins, the source told the Times.

"Identifying the cause of these fires is critically important to all of us," Los Angeles Police Department Assistant Chief Dominic Choi said at a Monday morning news conference.

The LAPD, alongside the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and other partners, have formed the Los Angeles Regional Wildfire Investigative Task Force to probe the cause of the fires.

"While their work is still in the early stages, we're committed to identifying the cause and origin of these fires. We're also committed to holding anyone who's responsible for these fires accountable," Choi said.

Asked about the Times' report at a Monday afternoon news conference, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell declined to comment on the investigation.

"They're looking at all possibilities. We can't talk about the investigation while it's ongoing," he said.