LOS ANGELES () New footage has emerged, casting doubt on the official narrative regarding the origin of the Pacific Palisades fire. The devastating blaze, which claimed 12 lives and obliterated over 6,800 structures, may have been quietly burning for several days, despite multiple 911 calls from concerned hikers.

Captured on January 2 at around 11:30 a.m., the video depicts smoke wafting from smoldering brush in the Pacific Palisades. This was five days prior to the fire’s dramatic resurgence on January 7, which resulted in one of the most catastrophic wildfires in U.S. history.

The video evidence challenges federal assertions that the initial blaze, declared fully contained on New Year’s Day, had embers that remained unnoticed beneath thick vegetation.