Los Angeles Man Charged With Impersonating Firefighter, Assaulting Peace Officer

Authorities allege the man posed as a firefighter to gain access to restricted Palisades burn areas in January, among several other crimes.

The remains of oceanfront homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, Calif., on Jan. 17, 2025. Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

A Los Angeles-area man faces 28 criminal counts, including 23 felony charges, after allegedly posing as a firefighter during the deadly Palisades Fire in January, authorities confirmed July 17.

Steve Farzam, 46, of Brentwood pleaded not guilty on July 17. He is being held without bail, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.