Palisades, Malibu Residents Sue L.A. over Fire, Empty Reservoir

A group of 12 residents of Palisade and Malibu in the Pacific are suing Los Angeles, particularly the LA Department of Water and Power (LADWP).

As reported by Breitbart News and others, Santa Ynez Reservoir, managed by the LADWP and held up to 117 million gallons, was nearly empty at the start of wildfire season.

That, residents say, lost their home from a fire that could be alleviated if the hydrant had not lost its water pressure and if city officials properly prepared before a known fire risk.

Plaintiffs include Holocaust survivors and retired naval pilots.

Los Angeles Times Report:

The Times previously headed towards Santay Nez Reservoir for Inferno on January 7th. It was empty Over 1,000 fire hydrants in several months Repair needed. The fire spreads that night, and Pacific Palisade fire hydrant score There was little water running.

The complaint also alleges that the DWP ignored the emergency wind warning, kept electrical equipment in the area energy, “contributed to the fire or caused a new spot fire.”

“Cities including DWPs, including DWPs, who are responsible for the harms their clients are suffering, will lose their homes and all their valuable possessions,” said Crystal Nix-Hines, a partner at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, a law firm representing the plaintiffs. “This may have been prevented.”

The new lawsuit joins a handful of others who are already in motion. Two celebrities have already sued LADWP. Los Angeles County is suing Edison, Southern California, over the Eton fire. This is what the county says was caused by a power line breakdown. Another lawsuit filed last month alleges that LADWP’s generation caused a second flame in the Palisade.