Authorities confirmed on July 17 that a man in the Los Angeles area has been charged with 28 counts, including 23 felonies, for allegedly impersonating a firefighter during the January Palisades Fire.
Steve Farzam, 46, who resides in Brentwood, pleaded not guilty to all charges during his court appearance on July 17 and is currently being held in jail without bail. The alleged crimes took place between 2023 and May 2025 and include impersonating a firefighter during the Palisades Fire, assaulting frontline emergency personnel, and shining a laser at aircraft during the wildfire.
The investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) began earlier this year when commercial aircraft and helicopter crews reported being targeted by lasers. Directing lasers at aircraft is illegal as it can potentially blind pilots.
LAPD detectives, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), executed a search warrant at Farzam’s residence in West Los Angeles and arrested him on July 16. Police discovered multiple pieces of evidence, including two utility vehicles with California government license plates.
Among the items seized were radios, emergency responder credentials, a fire engine, several bullets, police and fire vehicle lights, and other emergency-related equipment. The investigation revealed that the registered agency for the fire engine, “San Muerte Fire Department,” does not actually exist.
Farzam’s lawyer, Elizabeth Stewart Little, could not be reached for comment at the time of reporting.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman accused Farzam of “endangering public safety.” Hochman stated in a press release on July 17, “The defendant’s reckless disregard for public safety and law enforcement authorities in this escalating pattern of criminal behavior over the past year-plus is deeply troubling.” He added, “If substantiated, this ongoing behavior will undermine the integrity of emergency response systems and erode public trust. We will pursue all legal avenues to hold him accountable.”
According to the district attorney’s office, Farzam falsely posed as a firefighter during the Palisades Fire on January 16, gaining access to the emergency disaster zone and disrupting rescue operations. He is also accused of using the forged firefighter status to acquire government-issued vehicle plates, entering the fire zone, and obtaining firearms typically restricted to law enforcement.
Farzam faces 23 felony charges and 5 misdemeanor charges, including charges related to shining lasers at aircraft, using deadly or dangerous weapons, assaulting law enforcement officers, impersonating a public official, possessing an unregistered firearm in a vehicle, perjury, and presenting false documents. Misdemeanor charges include impersonating a firefighter and trespassing on closed land.
Farzam’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 28. If convicted on all charges, he could face a maximum prison sentence of 23 years and 10 months.