Hurst Fire Lawsuit – February 2025 Update
People are filing Hurst wildfire lawsuits because they were injured or their property was destroyed in Los Angeles County. Victims—including residents, travelers, and business owners—may be able to sue utility companies, insurance carriers, or individuals who may be liable for damages caused by this fire. If you were impacted by the Hurst Fire in any way, reach out to a qualified personal injury attorney on our team for legal help. We can help you calculate and fight for due compensation if you were hurt, your loved one was killed, or your property was damaged by this disaster.
Our legal team is accepting Hurst fire cases involving:
- Personal injury
- Wrongful death
- Property damage of any kind (no matter how small)
- Displacement
- Loss of income
- Disruption to daily life
- Mental and emotional distress
If you were affected by the Hurst fires in any way, contact a skilled attorney at King Law today at 585.496.2648 for a free case review. You can also submit a contact form, and a member of our team will contact you as soon as possible.
Hurst Wildfire Lawsuit Updates
February 11, 2025: SoCal Edison Admits in Report that Its Equipment May Have Been Responsible for Hurst Fire
Possible equipment and maintenance failures on the part of Southern California Edison (SCE) may have caused the Hurt Fire. In a statement, SCE said it has submitted two letters to the California Public Utilities Commission. In the letter about the Hurst Fire, the company said, “Absent additional evidence, SCE believes its equipment may be associated with the ignition of the Hurst Fire.” The company says it will continue to examine all possible causes of these fires. It warned that these expert investigations could take months.
February 4, 2025: Heavy Rains May Cause Mudslide Near Hurst Fire Site
Although the Hurst fire has been contained, residents in Sylmar and surrounding areas could be affected by heavy rain. This rain could create mudslides or runoff with dangerous chemicals. Residents in the prior evacuation areas are hoping to be spared from this new threat related to the wildfires that ravaged the areas surrounding their communities.
January 27, 2025: Downed Power Lines Still Being Investigated as Cause of Hurst Wildfire
More than a week after the Hurst Fire has been contained, authorities are still looking to determine the cause of the fire, which displaced thousands of people and burned 800 acres. Current evidence suggests down power lines owned by Southern California Edison (SCE) may have ignited the fire. An equipment report from SCE documents a downed conductor near Yarnell, north of 210 Freeway Sylmar, Los Angeles County, where the fires erupted. Investigators are working to determine if the tower was downed before or after the blaze began. If the tower was downed before the blaze, this could be evidence of SCE’s equipment igniting the Hurst Fire.
January 16, 2025: After 7 Days, Hurst Fire Contained
As of 9:51 p.m. the Hurst Fire is 100% contained. The fire burnt 799 acres in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles City Fire Department, United States Forest Service, Los Angeles Fire Department, and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office all worked to contain the blaze. Much of the land destroyed was in and around the Angeles National Forest. Evacuation orders have been lifted.
January 15, 2025: Hurst Fire 98 Percent Contained, Spans Nearly 800The Acres
On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the Hurst Fire was 98 percent contained and spanned just under 800 acres. An evacuation center remains open at Ritchie Valens Recreation Center, 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331, for families affected by this devastating fire to take shelter. Additionally, six small animal shelters and four large animal shelters remain open to care for animals displaced and injured in the Hurst Fire and its fallout. Residents returning to the Hurst region are encouraged to use precautions while moving through the affected wreckage and neighborhoods.
January 14, 2025: Multiple Homeowners Sue Southern California Edison for Damage in Eaton Fire
At least five lawsuits have been filed against Southern California Edison in connection with the Eaton Fires. The plaintiffs lost their homes in the January 2025 blaze that devastated regions throughout Southern California, including Sylmar, Eaton, and Palisades. Based on reports and footage, the plaintiffs believe Southern California Edison caused or contributed to the fire and its spread by failing to turn off its power lines during the red flag warnings issued by the National Weather Service on January 7, 2025. Hundreds more plaintiffs are expected to file suit in connection with this massive blaze.
January 10, 2025: South California Edison Reports Relay Eagle Rock Circuit Near Time of Blaze
On January 10, 2025, South California Edison (SoCal Edison) issued a report announcing a collaborative investigation into a downed conductor connected with the Eagle Rock circuit. The Eagle Rock circuit logged a relay—disruption or change in the electrical current—at 10:11 p.m., one minute after the initial fire was reported. SoCal Edison is working with government authorities to investigate this incident and determine if SoCal Edison’s equipment caused or contributed to the fire. Meanwhile, the Hurst Fire now spanned over 750 acres and was 70 percent contained.
January 8, 2025: People Flee Growing Hurst Fire as It Engulfs Businesses, Homes, Historic Sites, and Parks; FEMA Authorizes Aid
The Hurst Fire has grown to over 800 acres and is 10 percent contained as the blaze threatened to overtake homes, businesses, historic sites, and parks throughout the Sylmar community. The United States Forest Service, Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff, and CAL FIRE have now joined the Los Angeles City Fire Department in its efforts to contain this rapidly expanding inferno. Fire crews created a containment zone they hope to reinforce and use to control the fire’s spread overnight. Meanwhile, evacuation orders were issued for LAC-E119-B, LAC-E132-B, LOS-E001, and warnings were issued for eight additional regions, including LAC-E131-B, SCL-CALGROVE, and LOS-Q0412. Angeles National Forest remains closed through midnight on January 15, 2025, until further notice. FEMA authorized federal funds to help the State of California’s efforts to extinguish and contain the wildfire.
January 7, 2025: A Brush Fired Was Reported in the Sylmar Area Near Diamond Road at 10:10 p.m.
On January 7, 2025, at approximately 10:10 p.m., a brush fire was reported in Sylmar, California, near Hurst Ranch in Los Angeles County. The California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection issued an incident report, indicating the fire was 0 percent contained, active, and had grown to 50 acres. CalFire reported an evacuation order for the area “North of the 210 Freeway from Roxford to the Interstate 5 / 14 split.” The Los Angeles County Fire Department is handling emergency responses to contain the fire and protect people, animals, and property in the region.
About the Hurst Wildfire Lawsuit:
Overview of the Hurst Wildfires in Los Angeles County
How Has the Wildfire Impacted the Hurst Community?
SoCal Edison and Its Troubled History in California Wildfire Lawsuits
Who Can File a Hurst Fire Lawsuit?
How to File a Hurst Wildfire Lawsuit
King Law Is Accepting Hurst Fire Cases for Homeowners, Renters, and Business Owners
Overview of the Hurst Wildfires in Los Angeles County
The Hurst Fire started during the late evening on January 7, 2025, near I-210 Foothill Freeway and Yarnell St. in Sylmar, California. The fire rapidly overtook the region, engulfing hundreds of acres overnight. January 15, 2025, reports indicated the Hurst, Eaton, and Palisades Fires, whose causes are yet undetermined, took dozens of lives and harmed many others. Thousands of residents fled the area to evacuation centers or to stay with loved ones while multiple fire departments worked to contain the fire. While the Hurst Fire is contained, authorities and community members in the Los Angeles suburb are still navigating the devastating fallout. Incredibly strong winds and a dry season have fueled the fire and created difficult and dangerous conditions as fire departments doubled their efforts to stop the inferno’s spread.
Map of the Hurst Wildfires
Below is a map showing the spread of the Hurst wildfire throughout Los Angeles County.
How Has the Wildfire Impacted the Hurst Community?
The January 7th fire has significantly impacted the Sylmar community, causing thousands to flee to evacuation centers and loved ones for safety. The Hurst Fire is one of a series of infernos that overtook Southern California, and some of these blazes have taken the lives of dozens of people and caused many more to suffer serious injuries and devastating property and job losses.
Many neighborhoods, culturally significant locations, and businesses were threatened to be incinerated as the fire moved through the region. Additionally, campuses—such as the Heritage Christian School—were closed, and hospitals—like the Olive View-UCLA Medical Center—were forced to evacuate due to the raging fire. Residents were advised not to drink the water until governmental authorities tested it and cleared it of contamination.
Acres Burned From the Hurst Fire
At its peak, the Hurst Fire spanned an estimated 855 acres of land in the Sylmar community in Los Angeles County. When it reached containment status, 799 acres had been destroyed by the flames, primarily natural habitats, forests, and parks. Several neighborhoods were in the outskirts of the fire’s radius. Stetson Ranch Park and nearby Angeles National Forest were closed until further notice to prevent further injuries to people or property as the blaze moved through the region. As the Hurst Fire dies down and is contained, residents and governmental authorities will work to assess the extent of the damage.
Mandatory Evacuations Issued From the Hurst Wildfire
The Hurst Fire prompted authorities to issue evacuation orders to protect people and animals in the Sylmar community of Los Angeles. Thousands of people throughout the Sylmar area and nearby San Fernando, Santa Clarita, and Granada Hills were asked to leave their homes to take shelter in evacuation centers—like the Ritchie Valens Recreation Center—until it was safe to return. Regions that were part of the evacuation orders included LAC-E119-B, LAC-E132-A, LAC-E132-B, and LOS-E001. Evacuation warnings were issued for the following places:
- LAC-E131-B
- LOS-Q0412
- LOS-Q0449-B
- SCL-CALGROVE
- SCL-ETERNAL
- SCL-NEWHALLPASS
- SCL-WILDWOOD
Eleven animal evacuation shelters were created to house livestock, pets, and other critters threatened by the blaze. Areas of the I-210 Foothill Freeway were closed as well.
Hurst Fires Impact Neighborhoods and Other Local Areas
The fire was first reported near I-210 Foothill Freeway and Yarnell St. in Sylmar on January 7, 2025. In the course of the incident, many areas were evacuated while multiple fire departments banded to create a containment zone. While most of the fire overtook unpopulated forest and natural habitats, the blaze approached and, in some cases, breached subdivisions of and around Nicklaus Drive, Saddle Ridge Court, Silver Oaks Drive, Yarnell Street, and Olive. At least two homes were destroyed by the fire, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The fire spread to the Oakridge Mobile Home Park, requiring residents to evacuate.
Local Businesses and Business Owners Impacted by the Hurst Wildfires
Local fire departments fought hard to keep the Hurst Fire from spreading to homes and Sylmar’s commercial district. With the fire now contained, people can return to their tight-knit community to take stock of the damage. Many entrepreneurs may have lost their businesses because of the dangerous wildfire that ravaged Southern California.
Injuries and Deaths Reported From the Hurst Wildfire
The Hurst Fire engulfed regions of Sylmar and surrounding municipalities in Los Angeles County, threatening thousands of lives. Collectively, the Hurst, Eaton, and Palisades Fires have taken at least 27 lives and injured dozens more. Firefighters who put their lives on the line to save civilians and the towns have also been harmed by smoke, debris, and other hazards while in the line of duty. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is fielding and investigating missing person reports as people return to Sylmar, San Fernando, and Grenada Hills and try to contact loved ones.
What Caused the Hurst Fire?
While investigations are underway, evidence suggests a damaged power line may have been the culprit. Per the passage of a recent law requiring them to disclose these types of investigations, Southern California Edison announced a joint effort between it and governmental authorities to determine if a tower connected with Eagle Rock Sylmar 220 kV circuit malfunctioned and ignited the blaze that ravaged Southern California. This particular circuit reported a disruption in its electrical flow around the time the fire was reported.
The region’s dangerously high Santa Ana winds and unseasonably dry vegetation provided conditions for a spark to erupt the January 2025 inferno, making it difficult for authorities to slow the spread. A local Sylmar resident of the Oakridge Mobile Home Park said the authorities appeared to have left power on despite the incredible damage to electrical lines. During the Hurst Fire, the resident witnessed a ball of fire careening from downed power lines toward his home. Shortly before the ball of flame appeared, he heard a loud bang and saw sparks fly from the downed line.
SoCal Edison and Its Troubled History in California Wildfire Lawsuits
Many California residents know too well the documented role of utility companies—like Southern California Edison in the South and Pacific Gas & Electric in the Central and North—in causing and failing to stop wildfires. Edison International, Southern California Edison’s parent company, has had many lawsuits filed against it in connection with multiple fires in recent years.
For example, investigative reports revealed that SCE was at fault for not taking precautionary measures—such as turning off its power lines—during a red flag warning in December 2017. SoCal Edison’s failure resulted in the Thomas Fire in 2017, which overtook 281,893 acres throughout Santa Paula, California, and the surrounding counties for over a month. In February 2024, Southern California Edison reached an $80 million settlement to resolve dozens of legal claims against it in connection with the Thomas Fire.
The Justice Department filed a 2023 lawsuit against Southern California Edison and Utility Tree Service in connection with the 2020 Bobcat Fire because of the companies’ failure to routinely attend to trees that come into contact with power lines. Because of the attention on SCE’s misconduct, regulators have made legislative changes to pressure or force SCE and other utility companies to increase their attention on wildfire safety.
Who Can File a Hurst Fire Lawsuit?
Anyone impacted by the Hurst Fire in Los Angeles County may qualify to file a lawsuit against Southern California Edison, government agencies, insurance companies, or others. Examples of people who may be eligible to sue for compensation include the following:
- Property owners whose homes, businesses, land, or other property was damaged
- Renters who lost personal belongings or their rental
- People who were physically, psychologically, or financially harmed by the fire or the evacuation
Additionally, people who had to pay expenses, lost property, or experienced a disruption in income because of the fire or the evacuation orders and warnings may qualify for damages. A knowledgeable lawyer who handles wildfire litigation claims can help people understand if they are among the thousands who may be entitled to compensation for their losses.
How to File a Hurst Wildfire Lawsuit
The first step in filing a wildfire lawsuit because of the Hurst Fire in Los Angeles County is to consult a seasoned lawyer. They can discuss what happened to you and your family and determine if state and federal laws provide a pathway for you to claim compensation. The next step is to gather evidence to support your allegations, including photographs of your damaged property or personal injuries, proof of evacuation expenses, medical records, and letters to and from insurance companies.
Once you have the evidence to prove your case, you will prepare the legal complaint and submit it to the correct court. You or your attorney may also have to communicate with the utility company and your insurance provider to try to negotiate a fair benefits package. You also need to be mindful of the statute of limitations, which are deadlines for when you can file a lawsuit to recover a financial award. Your wildfire attorney can help you understand what California and federal laws apply to your case and the due dates for you to sue.
King Law Is Accepting Hurst Fire Cases for Homeowners, Renters, and Business Owners
King Law is ready to provide timely and well-researched legal support to those impacted by the Hurst Fire in Los Angeles County. When you partner with our law firm, you get a range of benefits, including:
- 24/7 access to a legal team that puts your interests front and center
- An internal intake team to answer questions about your lawsuit
- Personalized service and attention to each case
- Not having to pay any upfront legal fees unless King Law wins your case and you receive a payout
Our dedicated team of legal professionals understands how frustrating and heartbreaking wildfires can be for a person, family, community, and nation. We extend our heartfelt condolences and hope to provide supportive and compassionate legal services to those impacted by the Hurst Fires.
Contact a Hurst Wildfire Attorney Today
Compensation may be within your reach if you were hurt, lost property, spent evacuation expenses, or were harmed in other ways because of the Hurst wildfire in Sylmar, California. Contact King Law today immediately by calling (585) 496-2648 to see if you qualify for compensation.