The Palisades Fire, which started on January 7, 2025, has burned approximately 23,713 acres. The wildfire, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, has resulted in the damage of thousands of structures. Unfortunately, major issues during the beginning of the blaze contributed to the fire continuing to spread. One of these issues was the loss of water pressure in fire hydrants, which hampered the ability to effectively combat the blaze. This has raised concerns about the performance and maintenance of the infrastructure managed by the LADWP. There is potential negligence on the part of LADWP, and residents impacted by the fire are considering legal action in the form of a class action lawsuit to seek compensation for their damages and losses.

In the Pacific Palisades area, LADWP is responsible for maintaining the water systems that are ultimately used to fight fires. To understand potential responsibility, it is important to understand how the water system works.

Water pressure in the upper Palisades area is sustained via three storage tanks. These storage tanks each hold 1 million gallons of water. The tanks are located at higher elevations. Water is pumped to the tanks, and then it flows down by gravity; this allows pressure to be maintained. However, by 3am Wednesday, when the firefight was at its toughest, all tanks had run dry.

According to the LADWP, “the water system serving the Pacific Palisades…meets all federal and state fire codes for urban development and housing.” Further, the water system was built “beyond the requirements to support the community’s typical needs.” So, what was the problem? According to Janisse Quiñones, LADWP’s Chief Executive, it was impossible for tanks to be refilled fast enough because of demand at lower elevations. Reportedly, the water system had four times the usual demand for over a 15-hour period, which resulted in the drops in water pressure and, ultimately, the hydrants running dry.

To summarize, without enough water pressure in LADWP water systems, firefighters cannot access water to put out fires.

If investigations determine that LADWP was negligent in any way, then they could be sued. LADWP could be found negligent if they failed to identify and address issues with their water system. They may be liable for failing to implement any emergency systems for the loss of water pressure, for instance.

What about class action lawsuits? Members of the community affected by the Palisades Fire, whether as a result of property damage, physical injuries, pain and suffering, etc., could come together to file class action lawsuits. In the past, utility companies have been found liable for wildfires and have been sued by affected community members, resulting in substantial settlements. For more information about your right to participate in a class action lawsuit, contact us today.

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Palisades Fire Smoke and Ash Claims