Judges Sue L.A. Power Dept. for January Fire Damage

LOS ANGELES, CA — Two federal judges who lost their homes in the January firestorm have filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). U.S. District Judge Dean Pregerson and former magistrate judge Vijay “Jay” Gandhi claim that the utility company did not adequately prepare for the wildfire.

The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court last week, along with the judges’ families. It alleges that the Palisades fire was caused by LADWP’s water and power assets, including empty reservoirs and energized power lines.

The complaint cites reports that revealed LADWP’s reservoirs had been empty during the firefight due to long-term repairs. “Despite dire warnings by the National Weather Service about a ‘Particularly Dangerous Condition-Red Flag Warning,’ the LADWP was unprepared for the Palisades fire,” the lawsuit states.

A spokesperson for LADWP provided a statement explaining that no urban water system is designed to combat a massive wildfire like the one experienced at Palisades. The department has faced a growing number of similar lawsuits from residents claiming damages due to the utility’s alleged mismanagement.

The judges’ lawsuit states that most of LADWP’s power lines remained energized during the fire, which contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. “The department failed to heed widespread warnings about potential risks posed by inadequate fire safety measures,” the complaint asserts.

Both judges insist that accountability is necessary. “The city must stand up and take responsibility for what happened in Palisades,” Gandhi stated. “The Palisades fire should serve as a wake-up call regarding the risks of neglecting infrastructure.”

The judges’ legal action has been consolidated with over 10 other cases involving approximately 750 other residents. More plaintiffs are expected to join the claims against LADWP as compensation for their losses.