Reality TV stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag have initiated legal action against the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water and Power (LADWP) following the destruction of their home in the 2025 Palisades Fire. Joining them in the lawsuit are 20 other property owners who also suffered losses in the blaze.
The lawsuit, filed on January 21st, alleges "inverse condemnation," a legal principle allowing property owners to seek compensation from the government for property damage. The plaintiffs contend that the city and LADWP's actions directly contributed to the severity of the fire and the resulting damage to their properties.
A central point of contention in the lawsuit revolves around the Santa Ynez Reservoir, located near the affected Pacific Palisades neighborhood. The reservoir was reportedly emptied on January 7th, shortly before the fire erupted. The plaintiffs accuse the LADWP of prioritizing cost-saving measures by draining the reservoir, rendering it unusable for firefighting efforts.
The complaint asserts that with the Santa Ynez Reservoir unavailable, local fire hydrants quickly ran dry, exacerbating the fire's spread and ultimately leading to the destruction of homes. The plaintiffs claim this constituted a critical failure of the water supply system, for which the city and LADWP bear responsibility.
The LADWP has publicly stated that the reservoir was drained to comply with drinking water regulations and that necessary repairs were delayed due to the city's competitive bidding process. However, the plaintiffs argue that these explanations do not absolve the city and LADWP of their responsibility for the devastating consequences of the fire.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages to be determined at trial, covering property damage, personal injuries, loss of income, emotional distress, and legal expenses. Pratt and Montag have been vocal about their losses since the fire, sharing their experiences in interviews and highlighting the devastating impact on their family.
In a particularly emotional account, Montag described the heartbreaking task of trying to salvage belongings as the fire approached, while Pratt recounted the surreal experience of witnessing their son's bed burning in the shape of a heart.
The couple revealed they were uninsured, joining a growing number of Southern California residents who have been dropped by insurance companies. Montag described their financial situation as "house poor," emphasizing the significant financial strain caused by the fire.
