Woodley Fire Lawsuit – February 2025 Update
People who incurred costs or losses related to the Woodley Fire may be able to file a lawsuit for their losses. The Woodley Fire may have affected property owners through property damage caused by smoke, water, or aerial spraying.
People who incurred property damage from this fire or any of the California wildfires should reach out to an experienced attorney to learn about their options for filing a lawsuit or claim.
Woodley Fire Lawsuit Updates – February 2025
January 8, 2025: Woodley Fire is Contained
Firefighters have been able to 100% contain the Woodley Fire. At 8:07 p.m., almost 14 hours after the fire was first reported, Cal Fire reported the fire is fully contained. The wildfire prompted evacuations as the fire quickly moved south due to the high winds. 30 acres in Sepulveda Basin have burned. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
January 8, 2025: Woodley Fire Has Been Revised as a 30-acre Fire
At 8:58 am, Cal Fire reported that firefighters were still working restlessly to control the fire and protect structures potentially in the fire’s path. The initial reports of the 75-acre fire have been updated to show that it is 30 acres. It is still zero percent contained.
January 8, 2025: A Fire Was Reported in the Sepulveda Basin Area, Near North Woodley Avenue, at 6:15 am
On January 8, 2025, at approximately 6:15 am, a wildfire was reported in Sepulveda Basin, California, near North Woodley Avenue in Los Angeles County. The California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection released an incident report, showing the fire was 0 percent contained and had grown to 75 acres. The fire has moved south due to strong winds, posing the risk of crossing Burbank Boulevard.
About the Woodley Wildfire Lawsuit:
About the Woodley Wildfires in Los Angeles County
The Woodley Fire and Its Impact on the Local Community
The Cause of the Woodley Wildfire
SoCal Edison and LADWP: Their Role in the Lawsuit
Who Qualifies to File a Woodley Fire Lawsuit?
How to File a Woodley Fire Lawsuit
Our Firm Is Accepting Woodley Wildfire Cases for Homeowners, Renters, and Businesses
About the Woodley Wildfires in Los Angeles County
The Woodley Fire started in the early morning of January 8, 2025, near I-405 Freeway and Woodley Avenue. The fire was initially reported to be 75 acres, but thankfully, that was soon updated to 30 acres. Firefighters fought diligently for almost 14 hours while four other fires, Tyler, Hurst, Eaton, and Palisades, burned simultaneously. Even though the fire was contained quicker than other fires, it threatened many area residents, as the Sepulveda Basin is a heavily populated area.
Map of the Woodley Wildfires
The Woodley Fire and Its Impact on the Local Community
The Woodley fire was primarily contained in the Sepulveda Basin wildlife reserve. The area is a 200-acre wildlife reserve that is also known for growing homeless encampments. No deaths have been reported, but this fire likely caused displacement for people lacking adequate housing.
Acreage Burned From the Woodley Fire
The Woodley fire was contained within 24 hours of first being reported. Although the fire was first reported as 75 acres, only 30 acres have burned in the Sepulveda Basin area.
Local Evacuations Due to the Woodley Wildfire
Due to the quick containment and location of the fire, there were no mandatory evacuations in the area. The main affected area is a 200-acre Wildlife refuge. Another fire near the I-450, The Sepulveda fire, constituted an evacuation warning for residents, which has since been lifted after burning 45 acres.
Injuries and Death Count Reported from the Woodley Fire
Local law enforcement has not released a death toll or missing persons due to the Woodley Fire. This was reported to be a small fire in local parkland.
The Cause of the Woodley Wildfire
The cause of the Woodley Wildfire is still under investigation. However, Cal Fire noted strong South Winds after the fire broke out. The hot, dry, and windy conditions potentially leading to the four other wildfires in the state could have caused the Woodley fire. However, this is the second wildfire in the basin within a year. In July of 2024, a person in a homeless encampment started a fire, causing the near loss of the wildlife reserve. It may take months or longer for fire experts and arson investigators to know precisely how these fires were ignited.
SoCal Edison and LADWP: Their Role in the Lawsuit
Although the cause of the Woodley Fire is still being investigated, it may not be determined. Other California wildfires may have been caused by faulty utility equipment. A recently released video showed SoCal Edison’s transmission fire creating sparks, and the area was ablaze approximately ten minutes later. The company claims its electrical system was not the cause of the fire, but investigations are underway to prove otherwise. Lawsuits have already been filed against the electrical company, alleging their power lines either started the fires or worsened them.
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has also faced lawsuits filed by victims of the wildfires. California Governor Gavin Newman has officially ordered an investigation into the company because some fire hydrants had no water when tapped. Other allegations include low water pressure and an empty water reservoir.
While firefighters are still working to control wildfires, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has been called to support arson investigators and fire experts in determining the causes. The ATF is a law enforcement agency tasked with investigating acts of arson, bombings, and terrorism. This elite force will be the driving force in apprehending individuals who may be liable for the damages caused all across Los Angeles County.
Who Qualifies to File a Woodley Fire Lawsuit?
Individuals impacted by the Woodley Fire or another area wildfire may qualify for a lawsuit against LADWP, SoCal Edison, government entities, or others. You may be eligible to sue for compensation if:
- You own property that was damaged, such as homes, businesses, or land
- Your rental residence or business was damaged, along with personal property
- You were harmed while evacuating or by the fire, physically, psychologically, or financially.
If you had to pay expenses due to the evacuation or have lost income property, you may qualify to get compensated. An attorney with experience in wildfire litigations can help you understand exactly what compensation you may be entitled to for your losses.
How to File a Woodley Fire Lawsuit
To start filing a lawsuit because of the Woodley fire is a free consultation with an attorney. An experienced legal team will learn about your specific circumstances and determine if state or federal laws will allow you to file. Next, gathering as much documentation of your allegations as possible is essential. This will be used as evidence, including medical records, receipts from evacuation expenses, paper trails of communication with insurance records, and photos or videos of the damaged property.
After gathering evidence, your lawyer helps you prepare and submit a legal complaint to the right court. The statute of limitations in California is 2-3 years, meaning there is a deadline to file your claim. Your attorney will guide you through this and prepare you with what to expect.
Our Firm Is Accepting Woodley Wildfire Cases for Homeowners, Renters, and Businesses
Our legal team is set to assist you with legal support if the Woodley Fire has impacted you. We offer experienced insight and will provide you with benefits such as:
- Access to a knowledgeable legal team 24/7
- An in-house intake team will assist you through the process
- Service specialized to your circumstance
- Free consultation and no upfront fees unless our team successfully wins your case
King Law Firm has years of experience, and we understand how devastating wildfires can be for communities and individuals. We express our deepest condolences to anyone affected by these fires and offer our utmost support through this frustrating process.
Contact a Woodley Wildfire Lawyer Today
You may be eligible for compensation if you were harmed in any way, including lost property or physical injury due to the Woodley Fire in Sepulveda Basin. Contact King Law Firm by filling out a form online or call our office at (585) 287-8188 for your free consultation.