Our thoughts and our hearts go out to our friends, family members, colleagues and all those affected by the devastating January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles. We recognize with unceasing gratitude the first responders and community members who worked tirelessly to provide aid and comfort in the affected areas during this extremely difficult time.

We are keenly aware of the devastating impact of the Eaton Fire, in East Los Angeles, that started on January 7, 2025, and tore through the diverse and historically African American community of Altadena. People of color comprise more than half of Altadena’s population and the neighborhood has a rich history of being one of the first middle class Black neighborhoods in California and a sanctuary for people avoiding discriminatory housing practices.

Unfortunately, the fire burned over 14,000 acres and CalFire estimates over 10,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed, decimating Altadena. Tragically, the Eaton Fire is also one of California’s deadliest fires, with at least 17 people losing their lives, including some elderly and disabled residents who were unable to escape (and their family members who would not leave their sides).

Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein stands with the residents of Altadena and all those affected by the Eaton fire. The firm has successfully litigated wildfire and other environmental cases on behalf of devastated California homeowners and businesses for over 30 years. Lieff Cabraser represents Eaton Fire victims in their claims against Southern California Edison, the electrical utility for Los Angeles, for its role in the Eaton Fire. You can read a copy of our first filed complaint or read a copy of the press release.

Officials are investigating the cause of the Eaton Fire, focusing on a Southern California Edison electrical transmission tower in Eaton Canyon. The tower was not deenergized before the Fire and photo and video from eyewitnesses indicate the Fire may have ignited underneath it.

Affected residents may also find useful information on insurance issues from United Policyholders (UP), a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization whose mission is to be a trustworthy and useful information resource on insurance issues. They have additional resources available specifically for fire victims: https://uphelp.org/. The State of California has also set up a 2025 Los Angeles Fires resources page at www.ca.gov/LAfires/ with essential information for fire victims.