LOS ANGELES — A 46-year-old man who allegedly posed as a firefighter during a Los Angeles wildfire and used a high-powered laser to target aircraft is now facing nearly two dozen felony charges, authorities announced.
Steve Farzam, arrested on July 16 at his Brentwood home, is accused of an elaborate scheme that included creating a fake fire department, impersonating public officials and interfering with emergency operations during the Palisades Fire in January.
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Prosecutors say Farzam repeatedly gained access to restricted fire zones during the January 2025 Palisades Fire by posing as an arson investigator, KABC reports. According to Deputy District Attorney David Ayvazian, Farzam managed to “badge his way into fire zones, which he successfully did at least three times,” allowing him behind the lines as firefighters and law enforcement battled the blaze.
Authorities said the fire truck Farzam allegedly used — an aging 1986 rig — bore the markings of the so-called “Santa Muerte Fire Department,” a fictional agency investigators say he created to bolster his deception. When federal agents and LAPD served a search warrant at his residence, they found the truck with charred marks and ash, along with multiple vehicles and equipment linked to the fake department.
Farzam is also accused of pointing a powerful blue laser at law enforcement and news aircraft on the night of Feb. 21.
“It was a really frightening night, because that light was so powerful and so bright, it really could’ve gotten us hurt,” ABC7 pilot Chris Christi said. “Our crew was flying when the cockpit was filled with this blue light — sometimes we get green lasers, but this was a particularly bright blue light that lit up the entire cockpit.”
Investigators linked the laser incident to Farzam after AIR7’s video captured the vehicle used in the attack, which was later found to be rented to a hotel managed by Farzam.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman described Farzam’s alleged actions as “a disturbing pattern of lawlessness and disregard for public safety.” In addition to impersonating a firefighter and targeting aircraft, Farzam is charged with assaulting a first responder, carrying a loaded unregistered handgun and multiple other felonies. Prosecutors said the criminal conduct spanned more than a year, from early 2023 through May 2025.
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Records show that the so-called Santa Muerte Fire Department, which maintained an online presence, does not exist. Officials said similar impersonation cases involving the agency’s insignia and equipment have occurred in Southern California in recent years.
Farzam pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on July 17 and is being held without bail. His public defender argued in court that his release would not endanger the community, but prosecutors pointed to the potential harm to both aircrews and first responders on the ground.
If convicted on all counts, Farzam faces up to 23 years and 10 months in prison. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 28.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact LAPD’s Major Crimes Division.
