LA’s Palisades Fire has ‘human origins’ in hiking area popular with teens: report

The Palisades Fire, the biggest and most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history, has “human origins” as a likely cause, according to a new report.

Authorities investigating the cause of the fire told the Los Angeles Times that they believe it was started by someone — possibly as an accident, sources told the Times.

Officials noted the trail is popular with hikers and is often used as a hangout by local teens and the fire may have “human origins,” according to the Times.

The area’s an overlook known as Skull Rock on the Temescal Ridge trail in Pacific Palisades. The blaze has consumed nearly 30,000 acres (47 square miles) and destroyed 5,000 structures since it was sparked nearly a week ago.

A small fire burned there on New Year’s Eve after apparently being started by fireworks, but was put out shortly after.

Officials are investigating whether that fire could have had any connection, but said the location’s popularity meant it was possible another fire started in the area Tuesday before exploding into the inferno that’s destroyed thousands of buildings across LA.