Fri May 02 06:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Federal Judges Join Hundreds in Lawsuit Against LA Department of Water and Power Over Palisades Fire
**Los Angeles, CA** – Two federal judges, U.S. District Judge Dean Pregerson and former magistrate judge Vijay “Jay” Gandhi, have joined a growing lawsuit against the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) over the January Pacific Palisades wildfire. The judges, who lost their homes in the fire, are among over 750 residents suing the utility for alleged negligence.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claims LADWP failed to adequately prepare for and respond to the fire. Key allegations include the Santa Ynez Reservoir being empty due to prior repairs despite red flag warnings, and the continued energization of power lines during the fire, potentially causing further ignitions and accelerating the blaze. The complaint alleges that LADWP’s actions constituted mismanagement of critical infrastructure, ignoring known risks for decades.
LADWP has responded to previous lawsuits, stating that no urban water system is designed to combat such a large, wind-driven wildfire, and citing legal precedent to protect against liability for wildfire losses. However, Judge Gandhi, who previously mediated fire settlements involving Pacific Gas & Electric, contends that the city must take responsibility. He stated the fire was a result of known risks being ignored and that the city needs to acknowledge its failures to prevent future occurrences.
The judges’ lawsuit has been consolidated with over ten similar cases, highlighting the mounting legal pressure on LADWP. The ongoing litigation underscores the significant damage and widespread impact of the Pacific Palisades fire and the escalating debate over the utility’s responsibility for the devastation.
First Piper 