The 2025 Los Angeles County Wildfires

In January 2025, multiple wildfires broke out in different parts of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. These wildfires were exacerbated by drought conditions, dry vegetation, and strong Santa Ana winds with gusts that exceeded 90 mph.

The two most notable fires in L.A. during January 2025 were the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire. Other notable fires that burned during the month included the Hurst Fire, the Kenneth Fire, and the Hughes Fire. The causes of the two most-destructive 2025 Los Angeles wildfires were a holdover fire and utility company negligence.

The attorneys at Danko Meredith have been on the ground in Los Angeles County for the last year, helping survivors of the Eaton Fire and others who’ve been impacted by these devastating blazes. If you’ve lost your home, your business, or a loved one in L.A. fires, we may be able to help you seek compensation from Southern California Edison (SCE). To share your story during a free consultation, contact our law firm today.

The Palisades Fire

The Palisades Fire started in the Santa Monica Mountains on the morning of January 7, 2025. Fueled by dry vegetation and the Santa Ana winds, the fire spread quickly and destroyed countless homes in Malibu, Topanga, and Pacific Palisades.

The Palisades Fire was fully contained on January 31, 2025. The third most-destructive wildfire in California history, the Palisades fire destroyed 6,837 buildings, damaged 1,017 buildings, and claimed at least 12 lives.

What Started the Palisades Fire?

The Palisades Fire is a zombie fire/holdover fire. That means it is a fire that was caused by a previous fire that was not fully extinguished.

In the early morning hours of January 1, 2025, Jonathan Rinderknecht intentionally started a brush fire in the Pacific Palisades. This fire (the Lachman Fire) only burned eight acres and was thought to be put out in just a few hours. However, smoldering roots and hotspots remained, which were then re-ignited due to dry weather and the wind.

Officials found that the Palisades Fire began in the burn scar of the Lachman Fire.

The Eaton Fire

The Eaton Fire started around a SoCal Edison transmission tower above the Eaton Canyon Wash on the evening of January 7, 2025. The fire spread rapidly into Altadena and other nearby neighborhoods, fueled by dry brush and Santa Ana wind gusts of 100 mph.

The Eaton Fire was fully contained on January 31, 2025. The second most-destructive wildfire in California history, the Eaton Fire destroyed 9,418 buildings, damaged 1,071 buildings, and claimed at least 19 lives.

What Started the Eaton Fire?

Multiple witnesses and residents reported that they saw a fire starting below an SCE transmission tower in the hills.

While an investigation is ongoing, the Eaton Fire was likely started by a “zombie power line.” This is when an inactive power line is re-energized. SCE kept a decommissioned transmission tower and power lines up next to live equipment for decades. It’s believed that the strong winds pushed the live power lines into the inactive lines, creating sparks and a brush fire below.

Edison International CEO Pedro Pizarro has admitted that SoCal Edison equipment likely started the Eaton Fire.

How Destructive Were the 2025 Southern California Fires?

Based on current information, these numbers provide a sobering perspective on the scope of the January 2025 wildfires in Southern California:

• Over 57,500 acres burned in Los Angeles County and parts of San Diego County
• Over 18,000 structures were damaged or destroyed
• At least 31 people were killed by the fires, though the number could be much higher due to smoke inhalation, health care disruptions, and other fire-related factors
• Overall damage and economic impact could exceed $250 billion

Contact Us for Lawsuit Updates and Additional Legal Information

Danko Meredith has over 30 years of experience holding companies accountable for utility-related wildfires in California. We will continue to provide updates on the 2025 L.A. fires and their aftermath on affected communities.

If you’ve been affected by the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, we want to hear from you. To request a free legal consultation, contact our law firm today.

Attorney Referrals and Joint Ventures

Danko Meredith is recognized as a leading plaintiff’s trial law firm in California and collaborates with attorneys and firms on case referrals. If you would like to assist your clients and team up with our team of wildfire attorneys, please contact us to discuss referral percentages.