Update: Fake Firefighter Arrested at Brentwood, CA, Raid Accessed Palisades Fire

    July 18, 2025
    Steve Farzam, who used bogus identification to get into restricted areas during the historic wildfire, is being held without bail.

    During the Pacific Palisades fire, a man showed authorities a badge, told them he was an arson investigator, and gained access to restricted zones.

    But Steve Farzam, 46, isn't an investigator, a firefighter or a cop.

    "This defendant's alleged actions reflect a disturbing pattern of lawlessness and disregard for public safety. Over the course of more than a year, he is accused of repeatedly putting lives at risk, from impersonating a firefighter during an active wildfire to assaulting a first responder and targeting aircraft with a laser," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said during a court hearing, abc 7 reported. 

    Deputy District Attorney David Ayvazian said: "In this particular case, he is subject in a multi- agency investigation that included him creating a fake fire department by trying to incorporate a fake fire department."

    A 1986 fire truck was seized during a raid at Farzam's Brentwood house on Wednesday. It was registered to the Santa Muerte Fire Department, which officials say doesn't exist.

    Farzam didn't need credentials to enter another restricted area Wednesday -- jail -- where a judge ordered he remain without bail.

    He is facing 28 charges, including 23 felonies that involve impersonating and assaulting a responder.

    Some of the offenses are related to him allegedly pointing a laser at aircrafts operated by police and the media as well as a commercial flight.

    During COVID, he was interviewed as the CEO of a testing company.

     

     

     

     

    About the Author

    Susan Nicol | News Editor

    Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues. 

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