Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt Sue LA Over Wildfire Destruction, Blame Water Mismanagement
January 24, 2025This lawsuit is part of a broader trend of litigation related to California wildfires, following other lawsuits against utility companies for negligence in maintaining infrastructure.
Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, stars of 'The Hills', have filed a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles after losing their home in the devastating Pacific Palisades wildfires.
Fire Department Captain Erik Scott acknowledged that challenges with water pressure hindered firefighting efforts, revealing that hydrants in the area failed after three tanks ran dry in just 12 hours.
Pratt and Montag argue that the reservoir was left empty for nearly a year due to delays in repairs, as LADWP opted to seek contractor bids instead of utilizing in-house personnel.
These wildfires, which have resulted in at least 28 fatalities and destroyed over 12,000 structures, are among the most destructive in California's history, affecting numerous celebrities including Montag and Pratt.
The lawsuit alleges that the fire was exacerbated by the mismanagement of the water supply by the city and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), particularly citing the Santa Ynez Reservoir being out of commission since February 2024 due to repairs.
In response to the situation, California Governor Gavin Newsom has called for an independent investigation into the water utility's failures related to the wildfires.
The lawsuit claims that the city and DWP made a 'conscious decision' to keep the reservoir drained to save costs, despite warnings from the National Weather Service about critical fire conditions.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for property damage, personal injuries, loss of income, and emotional distress, with damages to be determined at trial.
In addition to their losses, Spencer's parents also lost their home in the wildfire, highlighting the widespread impact of the disaster.
Spencer's sister, Stephanie Pratt, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, confirming the loss of their home and expressing her family's distress.
Post-evacuation, Pratt and Montag have been vocal about their struggles, with Pratt encouraging fans to support Montag's music as a means of generating income during this challenging time.
Summary based on 16 sources