Palisades Fire Lawsuit – January 2025 Update
People are filing lawsuits alleging utility companies, insurers, and municipalities may bear responsibility for losses associated with the Palisades Fire. The fire has claimed 11 lives and destroyed or damaged almost 8,000 structures in and around Altadena, Malibu, and Pacific Palisades. The fire has caused billions of dollars in damage to homes, businesses, historical landmarks, and community buildings. Lawsuits filed in California allege that some of the damage could have been mitigated if actions had been taken to prevent or contain the fires.
People who have been financially, physically, or emotionally harmed by the Palisades Fire may be able to take legal action against entities that failed to adequately protect them from the Palisades Fire. Successful lawsuits may provide compensation for the unimaginable losses caused by the wildfire and may assist victims in rebuilding their lives. Individuals are encouraged to seek legal counsel early in the recovery process. Our team of attorneys is offering free consultations and claim intake to help people work toward recovery.
Palisades Fire Lawsuit Updates – January 2025
January 27, 2025: Palisades Fire 94% Contained
After heroic efforts from firefighting crews, the Palisades Fire that has been burning since January 7 is now 94% contained. According to a Cal Fire incident report about the Palisades, the death toll is still at 11, there have been 6,834 structures destroyed, and 1,016 structures damaged. As the losses are tallied, many people are pursuing lawsuits in hopes of receiving fair compensation for their losses.
January 24, 2025: At Least 11 Deaths Attributed to Palisades Fire
There have been 11 fatalities in the Palisades Fire. It is believed that this number could grow as firefighters begin cleanup and recovery efforts. Three civilians and one firefighter have also been injured in the blaze which has scorched over 23,000 acres.
January 17, 2025: Palisades Fire 39% Contained
As reported by CAL FIRE, the Palisades Fire is at least 39% contained. Reduced winds have helped firefighters to suppress the flames and slow the further spread of the embers. At least 10 deaths have been reported and 3 civilian injuries. In addition to the evacuation orders issued, a 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. curfew remains in effect for impacted areas.
January 14, 2025: At Least 8 People Reported Dead in Palisades Fire
At least 8 fatalities have been linked to the Palisades Fire, which destroyed nearly 7,000 structures, according to KTLA 5. It is anticipated, however, that the number of deaths related to the fire will grow as recovery and cleanup efforts begin.
January 8, 2025: Evacuation Orders Expanded in Palisades Fire
With continued dangerous wind conditions, the Palisades Fire has expanded rapidly, threatening more homes in the area. Evacuation orders have been extended to additional communities and are expected to grow until the fire is contained. The weather conditions make suppression challenging.
January 7, 2025: Palisades Fire Starts Amid 100 MPH Winds
The Palisades Fire reportedly began at approximately 10:30 am Southeast of Palisades Drive. The official cause of the fire remains under investigation. Wind gusts exceeded 100 mph throughout the day causing the fire to spread quickly throughout the area, threatening homes and businesses in the area.
About the Palisades Wildfire Lawsuit:
Overview of the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles County
How the Palisades Fire Has Impacted the Local Community
What Caused the Palisades Fire?
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and Its Role in the Palisades Fire
Who Can File a Palisades Fire Lawsuit
How to File a Palisades Wildfire Lawsuit
King Law Is Accepting Palisades Fire Cases for Homeowners, Renters, and Business Owners
Overview of the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles County
The Palisades fire began on January 7, 2025, at approximately 10:30 a.m. near the Pacific Palisades neighborhood on the Westside of Los Angeles. Dangerous conditions, including strong Santa Ana Winds and a severe drought, helped to drive the fire’s rapid spread throughout the area. As of January 27, the fire has burned 23,448 acres. There have been at least 11 fatalities connected to the blaze and multiple injuries. More than 100,000 residents have been displaced as a result of mandatory evacuations.
While the scope of the damage is yet to be fully realized, at least 6,834 structures have been destroyed, and more than 1,000 additional structures have been damaged. The fire is currently 94% contained as firefighters continue to suppress the flames under challenging conditions.
Map of the Palisades Wildfire
The map below shows the path of destruction from the Palisades wildfire.
How the Palisades Fire Has Impacted the Local Community
The Palisades Fire has deeply impacted communities throughout the area, leveling some neighborhoods to the ground. Palisades-area residents lost homes, businesses, schools, places of worship, and historical landmarks. Losses related to the Palisades Fire are likely to be several billion dollars. Additionally, affected communities have had to deal with contaminated water supplies, road closures, mandatory curfews, and ocean water advisories from Surfrider Beach to Topanga. These losses have impacted residents physically, emotionally, and financially.
Acreage and Land Burned From the Palisades Fire
As of January 27, 2025, the Palisades fire has consumed approximately 23,448 acres, primarily impacting the Pacific Palisades community. The area suffered a substantial loss of land and environmental damage, leading to widespread evacuations. The rapid spread of the fire was likely driven by dry vegetation and strong Santa Ana winds, which included wind gusts over 100 mph. These conditions also complicated containment efforts throughout the area.
Mandatory Evacuations in the Burn Area
As the Palisades Fire spread across the hills, thousands of homes were threatened with destruction, prompting numerous evacuation orders and a mandatory curfew. Evacuation orders were issued for several neighborhoods throughout the Pacific Palisades area, ultimately impacting more than 100,000 residents. As of January 27, 2025, several evacuation orders remain in effect, and many residents are under evacuation warnings. Many areas affected by evacuations are also under 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. curfews and may have restricted access, meaning that only verifiable residents may return to the impacted areas.
Palisades Fire and Its Impact on Neighborhoods and Other Communities
The Palisades Fire impacted numerous neighborhoods throughout the Pacific Palisades. Homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure were damaged as a result of the flames.
Communities impacted by the Palisades Fire:
- Topanga
- Brentwood
- Portions of Santa Monica
- Ridgeview Country Estates
- Fernwood
- Wildwood
- Malibu
The fire originated Southeast of Palisades Drive in the Pacific Palisades. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued as the flames grew. The fire would eventually engulf power lines, leading to power outages. It also caused water contamination and road closures.
Small Businesses and Local Establishments Impacted by the Palisades Wildfires
Many small businesses and local establishments were destroyed in the Palisades Fire. Structures damaged by the flames included restaurants, retail shops, offices, and places of worship throughout the Pacific Palisades.
Many small businesses and restaurants were leveled by the fires, including places like Fox’s Diner, Café de Leche, Palisades Plumbing Company, and Gelsen’s Grocery.
Business owners impacted by the fires may have suffered substantial financial losses. Extensive resources will be required to rebuild these devastated communities. Taking legal action can help to ensure fire victims can fully recover.
Injuries and Death Toll Reported From the Palisades Fire
As of January 27, 2025, there have been at least 11 fatalities related to the Palisades Fire. At least three civilians and one firefighter were also injured in the blaze. Search and recovery efforts remain ongoing.
What Caused the Palisades Fire?
The cause of the Palisades Fire remains under investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Human activity may have played a role in its inception. Investigators are looking into a smaller fire that had started six days before the Palisades Fire.
The January 1 fire started on the outskirts of the Highland community. This community abuts popular hiking spots in Topanga State Park, which features the Skull Rock boulder and the little Buddha sculpture. Investigators are exploring if the January 1 fire in the park may have reignited, leading to the Palisades blaze. It is known that environmental factors, including strong Santa Ana winds and severe drought conditions, also played a role in the rapid spread of the flames.
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and Its Role in the Palisades Fire
LADWP has come under scrutiny for failing to have adequate water supplies to battle the Palisades fires. While the Los Angeles Fire Department and others battled blazes, the water pressure in the hydrant system dropped. This resulted in water not being available to firefighters because hydrants were dry. In a statement, a representative for LADWP said, “We pushed the system to the extreme. Four times the normal demand was seen for 15 hours straight.” This increased demand and pressure changes left many firefighters without water to extinguish home fires, especially for residents in areas of higher elevation.
To make matters worse, at the time of the fires, the Santa Ynez Reservoir was empty. The 117-million-gallon facility was under renovation at the time of the fires. It had been empty for nearly a year to accommodate repairs to its cover, but the process had been delayed due to competitive bidding requirements by the city. The empty reservoir reportedly amplified the reduced water pressure problem, causing dry fire hydrants and hindering suppression efforts.
Governor Gavin Newsom ordered an independent investigation into the failures in the water supply, stating the need to improve infrastructure and ensure accountability. As a result of the failure, multiple people have filed lawsuits against LADWP, alleging the company’s negligence impeded firefighters.
Additionally, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has issued a “Do Not Drink” Notice for many neighborhoods affected by the Palisades Fire. Residents living in the 90272 zip code and adjacent communities may have suffered water contamination.
Who Can File a Palisades Fire Lawsuit?
Anyone who experienced financial losses or personal injuries as a result of the Palisades wildfire may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Individuals who suffered property damage or other losses may be entitled to take legal action against the company or companies who may have caused the fire or impeded its suppression. Business owners, residents, and renters who suffered financial loss may all be eligible, as well as individuals who had emotional distress or physical injury may be entitled to compensation.
The best way to determine if you are eligible to file a Palisades Fire lawsuit is to consult with an experienced attorney.
How to File a Palisades Wildfire Lawsuit
There are several steps to file a Palisades wildfire lawsuit. It is essential to consult with an attorney to determine what steps may be necessary and to help navigate the legal process.
Steps to file a Palisades fire lawsuit:
- Consult with an attorney: The first step in filing a Palisades Fire lawsuit is to consult with an experienced attorney. An attorney can help determine the viability of your claim and will work with you to understand your legal rights.
- Gather the necessary documents: With the help of your attorney, you will need to gather the documents necessary to substantiate your claim. Evidence may include a comprehensive record of your losses, proof of injuries, photographs of property damage, and receipts related to your evacuation expenses. Correspondence with your insurance company may also help to prove your claim.
- File the claim: The next step is to file the claim in the appropriate jurisdiction. Your attorney will help to ensure that all potentially liable parties are named and that your claim is filed within the legal deadlines. In California, affected individuals generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit based on personal injury or three years from the date of property damage.
King Law Is Accepting Palisades Fire Cases for Homeowners, Renters, and Business Owners
King Law is currently accepting Palisades cases for homeowners, renters, and business owners who suffered losses in the fire. The attorneys at King Law and our legal partners have extensive experience handling personal injury and property damage claims. We will work tirelessly to ensure clients receive the compensation they need and deserve.
Reasons to choose King Law:
- Cases are accepted on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront legal fees
- Clients receive 24/7 access to legal counsel
- An internal intake team is available to answer questions about the lawsuit
- Clients receive personalized service and attention to each case
Contact a Palisades Wildfire Attorney Today
Victims affected by the Palisades wildfire may be entitled to compensation. It is important to consult with an attorney about your legal options. Our team of attorneys is well-versed in assisting wildfire victims to secure the financial recovery they deserve. Contact King Law today at (585) 496-2648 for an initial consultation.