US EditionAttempted coverup by LADWP worker among many missteps in Palisades fire, suit alleges
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, JUL 9 – The amended lawsuit accuses LADWP and California Parks of mismanagement and cover-up, with 3,300 victims alleging failures that worsened the fire destroying nearly 7,000 structures and killing 12 people.
- An amended lawsuit filed on July 9, 2025, alleges a LADWP worker delayed de-energizing circuits and tried to alter computer logs during the January Palisades Fire in Los Angeles.
- The suit follows an investigation revealing LADWP neglected required yearly reservoir inspections, allowed overgrown city lots, and lacked a backup water source for firefighting.
- Key details include a 117-million-gallon Santa Ynez Reservoir drained in early 2024 due to a large tear, impairing firefighting efforts and causing some hydrants to run dry during the blaze.
- Attorney Alexander Robertson expressed frustration that it required the town being destroyed by fire for the issue to receive urgent attention, while LADWP spokesperson Ellen Cheng denied any involvement of LADWP equipment in causing the fire.
- The lawsuit accuses LADWP of mismanagement and cover-up attempts, while LADWP maintains full cooperation with the ATF investigation and commits to rebuilding and improving wildfire resilience.
14 Articles
14 Articles
LA Daily News
Attempted coverup by LADWP worker among many missteps in Palisades fire, suit alleges
A Los Angeles Department of Water and Power worker took nearly five hours to respond to an order to de-energize electrical circuits during the catastrophic Palisades fire, then attempted to change a computer log to make it appear he had arrived much sooner, according to an amended lawsuit filed Wednesday, July 9. The suit, which blames LADWP for damages caused by the devastating fire, amends a complaint filed in March and contains new allegation…
CD11, LADWP Discuss Power Undergrounding, Water Line Upgrades During Town Hall - Palisadian Post
By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor Council District 11 hosted a virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, July 2, where Los Angeles Department of Water and Power was invited to present plans for undergrounding power, upgrading water lines and provide an update on the Santa Ynez Reservoir. Councilmember Traci Park began the town hall by sharing […] The post CD11, LADWP Discuss Power Undergrounding, Water Line Upgrades During Town Hall appeared first on Pali…
LADWP Statement Regarding Amended Complaint Filed in the Palisades Fire Litigation
LOS ANGELES — (JULY 9, 2025) LADWP is aware of the amended complaint filed today in the Los Angeles Superior Court. Our hearts remain with all who have impacted by the Palisades Fire and we are working tirelessly to rebuild and recover from this terrible tragedy. As we have said previously, LADWP understands the enormous destruction caused by the fires and the rights of affected property owners to seek compensation for damages from insurers and …
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