Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag are suing the City of Los Angeles and the Department of Water and Power (LADWP)!
After their home burned down in the Palisades Fire earlier this month, the couple filed a lawsuit on Tuesday arguing that the fire was “an inescapable and unavoidable consequence” of the city and LADWP’s alleged poor management of the water supply in the area.
Spencer’s mother Janet Pratt and a man named William Pratt, who lived in the same home but whose relation to Spencer is unknown, were also listed as plaintiffs as they lost their home, as well. The plaintiffs were noted as “property owners, tenants and individuals” who suffered “untold devastation” as a result of the fires, including damaged homes, insurance coverage shortfalls, mandatory evacuations, medical expenses, business interruption, and emotional distress.
Related: Chris Pratt Makes Comment About Anna Faris After She Loses Home In Fires
The lawsuit claims that the Santa Ynez Reservoir has “been out of commission since February 2024” while awaiting repairs and that LADWP chose to “operate the water supply system” despite the drained reservoir to save money, claiming:
“With the Santa Ynez Reservoir effectively out of commission, hydrants in Pacific Palisades failed after three tanks each holding one million gallons of water went dry within a span of 12 hours.”
They also referenced criticism from Gus Corona, the business manager of IBEW Local 18, the employee union for the LADWP. As the filing points out, he previously told The Los Angeles Times:
“It’s completely unacceptable that this reservoir was empty for almost a year for minor repairs. This work should have been done in-house, and they shouldn’t have depended on a contractor to do it; I truly believe it’s something that could have been avoided.”
The lawsuit also claims the water system was designed for public use and didn’t have enough water pressure to fight major fires, despite being in a “fire-prone area” — something they note Mark Pestrella, director of Los Angeles County Public Works, agreed with, quoting him as saying the hydrant system was “not designed to fight wildfires.”
Because of all of this, the plaintiffs argued:
“Defendants’ operation of its water supply and related infrastructure was a substantial cause of Plaintiffs’ damages.”
They are seeking damages for the cost of repairs to their properties, the loss of enjoyment of their properties, and the loss of wages and earning capacity. The specific amount was not disclosed. They are also asking for attorney’s fees and a trial by jury. Wow!
Reactions? Let us know (below).
[Image via Call Her Daddy/YouTube & Heidi Montag/Instagram & MEGA/WENN]