Residents and businesses in Pacific Palisades have sued Los Angeles’ Department of Water and Power (LADWP), claiming unpreparedness and a failed water system worsened the Palisades Fire, which began January 7, destroyed 5,000 structures, and caused eight deaths.

The lawsuit, filed in California Superior Court, seeks damages for property losses, living expenses, and lost income, citing the empty Santa Ynez Reservoir and ignored fire warnings as key failures.

LADWP stated the reservoir was offline for repairs and the system meets fire codes, ABC News has reported.

The fire, 18% contained, has burned over 23,000 acres, with damages estimated at $40 billion. Investigations continue.

Written by B.C. Begley