LA Wildfire Lawsuit Alleges LADWP Contributed to Pacific Palisades Fire

Utility company accused of “massive cover-up” to hide downed power lines, which may have sparked additional fires.

A group of Los Angeles residents are claiming that the LA Department of Water and Power (LADWP) utility lines that fell during the deadly Pacific Palisades Fire ignited additional, smaller fires that contributed to the size and destruction of the overall blaze.

The complaint (PDF) was filed in the Superior Court for the State of California, County of Los Angeles on March 24, naming the City of Los Angeles, acting through the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, along with other unidentified parties, as defendants.

The Pacific Palisades Fire was one of many fires that erupted in the Los Angeles area this past winter. Along with the devastating Eaton blaze, these fires burned more than 50,000 acres, leading to the destruction of more than 18,000 structures and at least 28 deaths.

As a result, dozens of area residents have filed Los Angeles wildfire lawsuits, alleging that negligence, equipment failures and a lack of adequate safety measures on the part of various utilities providers, including Southern California Edison and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, contributed directly to the outbreak and spread of these devastating fires.

According to the newly filed complaint, LADWP utility lines and empty water tanks exacerbated the deadly Pacific Palisades Fire, which the plaintiffs state initially started on the Temescal Canyon Trail near the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles at approximately 10:30 a.m. on January 7.

By 10:30 p.m. on that same day, many of LADWP’s water tanks in the area had run dry, the plaintiffs indicate. In addition, they allege that an additional fire ignited at that time when an LADWP power pole broke above the Temescal Water Tank, causing live power lines to fall into the brush below.

The plaintiffs highlight conflicting statements from LADWP regarding the status of the power lines involved in the Pacific Palisades Fire. In a Washington Post interview, LADWP claimed these lines had been de-energized for at least five years. However, in a March 20 letter to the plaintiffs’ attorneys, LADWP’s legal team contradicted this by stating the power line was actually energized when the fire started, although no faults were detected on it.

In addition, the complaint states that LADWP’s own cameras caught footage of sparks from these downed power lines igniting fires in Temescal Canyon that further contributed to the strength and destruction of the Pacific Palisades blaze.

As a result, the plaintiffs are accusing the LADWP of a “massive cover-up” regarding its involvement in the ignition of the Pacific Palisades Fire.

“Plaintiffs are informed and believe that there was no ‘misunderstanding’,” the complaint indicates. “Rather, Plaintiffs allege that this was a massive cover-up by LADWP, not only to conceal from the public that its electrical equipment was the source of several additional ignitions of the Palisades Fire, but to affirmatively represent that it was not.”

The plaintiffs are raising allegations of inverse condemnation against LADWP and other unknown defendants. They are seeking costs for the repair or replacement of damaged, destroyed and lost property, the loss of use, benefit, goodwill and enjoyment of property, as well as the loss of wages, earning capacity and business profits.

Los Angeles Fire Lawsuits

In addition to the lawsuit being brought against LADWP, dozens of other LA-area residents have filed Los Angeles Fire lawsuits against other utility organizations in recent weeks, including SoCal Edison, alleging that the organizations’ active failings contributed to the deadly Pacific Palisades and Eaton Fires.

LA Fire lawyers are actively reviewing potential legal claims for individuals who have suffered property loss or other damages as a result of the devastating wildfires.

Homeowners, business operators and families of the deceased are seeking compensation for losses including property damage, business disruption and emotional distress. In some cases, they are also pursuing punitive damages to hold responsible parties accountable for causing the fires or for failures in response that exacerbated the impact.

Those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires can submit their details for a complimentary case assessment to find out if they may qualify for financial recovery.

Attorneys handling LA wildfire cases offer free consultations with no upfront charges. Legal fees are only collected if a settlement or award is successfully obtained.