Defense Pushes Fireworks Theory in Palisades Fire Case
Attorneys for a Palisades man charged in the fire case seek to introduce expert testimony on marks found near a rental property.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Accidents
Defense attorneys seek to introduce testimony from retired Cal Fire investigator Michael T. Cole suggesting marks near Chris Bosh's property could be consistent with a launched firework. Chris Bosh is not accused of starting the Palisades Fire, and the accused man continues to deny the allegations against him.
Why it matters
The dispute centers on whether an alternative cause could explain the 2025 Palisades Fire, a deadly blaze affecting Los Angeles. How the court weighs expert qualifications will shape what evidence jurors may consider about the fire's origin.
The defense is seeking to admit expert testimony, which prosecutors contest on grounds that the witness lacks necessary qualifications. The court has not yet ruled on admissibility.
The players
Michael T. Cole
A retired Cal Fire investigator whose opinion on marks near a Palisades property the defense seeks to introduce in court.
Chris Bosh
A former NBA player whose name appeared in court filings related to the Palisades Fire, though he is not accused of starting the blaze.
The details
Defense attorneys for the accused man want to introduce testimony from retired Cal Fire investigator Michael T. Cole, whose theory is based on marks documented near Chris Bosh's property, which was being rented out when the fire began. Prosecutors argue Cole lacks the necessary qualifications and that his opinion relies only on drone photographs.
Timeline
2025: The Palisades Fire occurred, a deadly blaze in the Palisades area of Los Angeles.
Legal Context
The case reflects how origin disputes in the 2025 Palisades Fire are being fought through expert testimony over investigators' qualifications and methods. Admissibility rulings on such opinions will determine how the competing theories reach a jury.
Residents in the Palisades area and across Los Angeles are following how the fire's cause is determined, which affects local safety and fire-prevention discussions. The court's ruling on expert testimony will influence what the public learns about how the blaze started.
The takeaway
Expert testimony in fire cases is judged on the witness's qualifications and the basis for the opinion, so the court's admissibility decision will be a key step in resolving competing theories about the Palisades Fire's origin.
Further reading
Explore more Los Angeles accidents coverage for context on local fire incidents.
