On January 7, 2025, the Palisades Fire devastated Pacific Palisades. Pratt and Montag lost their home — which was uninsured after being dropped by their insurance company. On January 21, they filed suit with 20 other homeowners.
The lawsuit alleges inverse condemnation — that the city's decision to drain the Santa Ynez Reservoir before the fire left hydrants dry. Three tanks holding one million gallons each went dry within 12 hours. The suit claims LADWP made a conscious decision to operate the water supply with the reservoir drained as a cost-saving measure.
Pratt has since launched a campaign for LA mayor, saying he will not drop the lawsuit if elected. The case is now entering full discovery.
- 01LADWP drained the Santa Ynez Reservoir before the fire, leaving Pacific Palisades hydrants without water.
- 02The water supply system failed, causing plaintiffs to lose their homes when firefighters could not access water.
- 03Plaintiffs suffered property damage, personal injuries, loss of income, business interruption, and emotional distress.
- 04Pratt and Montag were house poor and uninsured after being dropped by their insurance provider.
This is one of the highest-profile lawsuits stemming from the LA fires. It tests whether municipal governments can be held liable for infrastructure decisions that exacerbate natural disasters. Pratt's simultaneous mayoral campaign adds an extraordinary political dimension.