Looking Back on the Palisades and Eaton Fires a Year Later
It was just over a year ago that wildfires ravaged the areas of Palisades and Eaton in Los Angeles County, leaving a trail of disaster in their wake. Now that the anniversary of the fires has passed, we look back at when and how these fires came to be, the consequences of these fires, and who has been held accountable. Keep reading to learn more about these wildfires, and why wildfire attorneys in Los Angeles are essential in the fight for justice for victims of wildfires.
When Did the Palisades and Eaton Fires Start?
On January 7,2025, two fires started in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, along with a second fire that grew in Eaton Canyon, a nearby area bordering the city of Pasadena and Altadena community. These fires would grow and run throughout the month of January, finally reaching 100% containment on January 31st, 2025.
In the wake of these fires, 31 people would be left dead, and more than 16,000 structures would be destroyed. Not to mention, numerous families would be left displaced after losing their homes in the destruction of the fires.
How Did the Palisades and Eaton Fires Start?
While there were rumors swirling about how these fires started, a year later it seems that there have been more definitive conclusions found. One main factor said to have sped up the growth of these fires is strong Santa Ana winds that were recorded as going about 90 miles per hour.
The Palisades fire is thought to have grown from a smaller fire that was set on New Year’s Day. The Eaton fire is believed to have started due to a combination of faults in high power transmission lines and the hurricane-level winds.
Who Was Held Liable for These Fires?
There are a few entities being held liable for these fires in lawsuits and through criminal charges. For the Palisades fire, a 29-year-old man named Johnathan Rinderknecht is about to go on trial for federal arson charges in due to his suspected involvement in starting the initial fire that grew into the consuming Palisades fire. His trial is set to begin soon.
For the Eaton fire, the power company Southern California Edison was sued by the U.S. Department of Justice and others. The company enacted a compensation program for victims of the Eaton program and has paid out 82 applicants from the 1,800 applications they received.
Where Do the Palisades and Eaton Communities Stand Today?
Both areas are in deep phases of rebuilding and getting through the trauma this terrifying ordeal brought upon the communities. The path to recovery and rebuilding is slow, with many households still displaced and the process of having to obtain permits and payouts still ongoing. However, it’s important to note the resilience and attention of communities, volunteers, and other organizations took in getting to this point today after such massive devastation, and in the ongoing fight for justice.
In the last week of December 2025, before the expiration of SB 447, surviving family members of people who passed away in the Palisades fires filed wrongful death lawsuits against the city of Los Angeles and the state of California for their loved ones’ pain and suffering before their deaths. Litigation is still ongoing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Other Wildfire Causes?
Other common wildfire causes include the burning of debris, equipment malfunctions, intentional acts of arson, and discarded cigarettes.
How is Liability for Wildfires Determined?
Proving negligence is essential to determine the liability for a wildfire. For example, a power company could be liable if they were negligent in maintaining power lines that later went through a malfunction and sparked a fire. Direct negligence and causation are key to liability.
What If Someone Died in a Wildfire Caused by Negligence?
If you lost a loved one in a wildfire that was caused by the negligent or reckless acts of another person, then a wrongful death lawsuit could be filed for possible compensation. A wrongful death lawyer from BD&J could give you more information.
Can Wildfire Attorneys in Los Angeles Help with My Wildfire Case?
Absolutely. Wildfire attorneys in Los Angeles can represent you in a claim against corporations or other entities whose inaction or reckless acts instigated a fire that may have damaged or destroyed your property, left you with injuries like serious burns and broken bones, and caused you severe losses.
How Much Does It Cost to Work with a Los Angeles Wildfire Attorney from BD&J?
The wildfire attorneys at BD&J work on a contingency fee basis, which means their payment is taken from the final compensation amount after the case has settled. No fees until we win*.
How To Prepare for Wildfire Evacuation
Wildfires can grow at an alarmingly high speed, and as was the case for the Palisades and Eaton fire, many people had to evacuate their homes quickly. Being prepared to evacuate your home in case of a wildfire can make a big difference than being caught unaware. Prepare for possible wildfire evacuation by:
- Making an evacuation kit. – Having an evacuation kit with a couple of canned foods, water bottles, a flashlight, and other basic necessities can come in handy in the case of a sudden evacuation.
- Signing up for emergency alerts. – Staying connected by receiving any local notifications of strong winds, wildfires, and more can help you get a heads-up of any possible dangers in your community.
- Keeping valuables in a secure spot. – In the event of a wildfire evacuation, many people are in a rush to get valuable items out the door. Keeping valuables (like passports, birth certificates, and extremely precious items) in one safe spot can make it easier to grab what you need while evacuating.
- Talking with a wildfire attorney to discuss potential claims. – If you suffered property damage, loss, and more due to a wildfire, sit down with a wildfire attorney from BD&J in Los Angeles to discuss any potential claim you might have. Make your story heard.
Wildfire Attorneys in Los Angeles Who Fight for Victims Who Lost It All
The Palisades and Eaton fires caused massive devastation, and the process of obtaining justice is still underway. If you or a loved one lived through a wildfire caused by another entity that caused tremendous losses in your life, speak with a Los Angeles wildfire attorney from BD&J. Our lawyers have been constantly fighting for the rights of wildfire survivors and their families, recovering more than $2 billion* for injured Californians in the last 20 years. Book your free consultation with us now!
Speak with a wildfire attorney from BD&J to learn more about filing a claim.