Lawsuits Filed Against Utilities Amidst Devastation

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Lawsuits Filed Against Utilities Amidst Devastation

Wildfires Rage in Los Angeles, Lawsuits Filed Against Utilities

As deadly wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles, attorneys representing victims are taking legal action against two public utilities, alleging negligence in the fires' ignition and spread.

One lawsuit targets Southern California Edison (SCE), accusing the company of failing to maintain power lines and equipment, which allegedly sparked the 14,000-acre Eaton fire. The fire decimated Altadena neighborhoods before spreading to other communities.

"This goes beyond a failure of responsibility; it is gross negligence in an area highly vulnerable to wildfires," said Patrick McNicholas, an attorney representing victims. "We are committed to holding Southern California Edison accountable for their alleged negligence and seeking justice for victims who have lost everything."

SCE disputes the claim, stating that its equipment was not involved in the fire's ignition and that power lines were de-energized before the fire started. The company is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

A separate lawsuit targets the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), alleging water supply failures during the Pacific Palisades wildfire, the most destructive blaze in LA history. The lawsuit claims that the LADWP should have maintained water in the Santa Ynez Reservoir, which was reportedly empty for nearly a year.

"The water supply system servicing Pacific Palisades failed miserably, leaving residents and firefighters with little to no water to fight the blaze," said Roger Behle, an attorney representing victims.

LADWP cites "unprecedented and extreme water demand" for the lack of water pressure and claims to have deployed water tankers to support firefighting efforts. The utility is conducting its own investigation into water resiliency and how to improve its response to climate change.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the fires had killed at least 25 people, destroyed over 12,000 structures, and charred more than 60 square miles. The largest fires, the Palisades and Eaton wildfires, continue to burn out of control.