Pacific Palisades Wildfires: What to Know

Multiple deadly wildfires tore across Los Angeles early on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, burning tens of thousands of acres and destroying more than 2,000 structures, killing five people, and injuring many others.

At least six separate blazes were burning in the metropolitan area, from the Pacific Coast inland to Pasadena. The disastrous fires were pushed and amplified by record-breaking Santa Ana winds topping 60 miles per hour on Tuesday and increasing to nearly 100 miles per hour on Wednesday. These winds also prevented firefighting aircraft from flying, hampering the fight to put these destructive fires out.

At least 130,000 residents were ordered to evacuate, including celebrity residents of Hollywood’s most affluent neighborhoods, including Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore, and James Woods.

California’s wildfire season typically begins in June or July and runs through October, according to the Western Fire Chiefs Association, but January wildfires are not unheard of. 

In these challenging times, Morgan & Morgan stands with victims of wildfires. Our Los Angeles office represents our local community, and we understand the hardships that these disasters can cause.

At Morgan & Morgan, our dedicated wildfire attorneys are committed to assisting those impacted by such destructive disasters. We have extensive experience in handling wildfire-related cases, including representing victims of the 2017 Northern California wildfires.

Steps to Take After a Wildfire

When a wildfire strikes, your top priority should be to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe. As the flames are extinguished, however, how you handle the aftermath can make a huge impact on your life moving forward.

If you have suffered injury or property damage due to the wildfire, be sure to document everything—keep detailed records, including photographs of damages, medical records, and all communications with insurance companies. You should also create a comprehensive list of all items lost or damaged in the fire.

After a wildfire, dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. Our legal experts can help you navigate these complexities, ensuring that you receive the compensation you are entitled to for losses suffered. We are adept at identifying when an insurance provider is acting in bad faith and know how to hold them accountable.

We understand the challenges you face after such a disaster and are here to support you both inside and outside the courtroom. If you or a loved one has been affected by the Pacific Palisades wildfires, please contact Morgan & Morgan for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Our dedicated wildfire attorneys are here to help you navigate this difficult time and work towards securing the compensation you deserve.