Also known as the Sylmar Fire, the Hurst Fire has left the city of Los Angeles in a state of shock. While LA County has experienced many wildfire incidents recently, nothing compares to the devastation it witnessed in the first week of January—a tragic start to the new year.
While media reports are saddening, the reality is far more devastating. Although firefighters have successfully contained the Hurst Fire, other wildfires across Southern California have claimed lives and injured many residents. They have also contaminated the water supply and displaced hundreds of thousands of homeowners.
Ehline Law and our personal injury attorneys are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the wildfires in Southern California. Whether it’s the Eaton Fire or the Hurst Fire, we are ready to legally represent you and your loved ones and help you emerge more potent than ever before. Reach out to us and let our experts assess the facts surrounding your case and aggressively fight for your rights!
What We Know About the Hurst Fire
The Hurst Fire started the same day the Eaton Fire began, burning down the Sylmar area of Los Angeles. Official reports suggest a small fire erupted on January 7, 2025, at around 10 PM, scorching 50 acres of land in the first 10 minutes.
However, the strong Santa Ana winds caused the Hurst Fire to progress rapidly, setting 900 acres ablaze by January 13, 2025.
The Los Angeles fire agencies scrambled to put out the wildfire as soon as it erupted. On January 8, 2025, over 3,000 residents left their homes and properties behind to save their lives, while an additional 44,000 people were asked to evacuate.
While the Hurst Fire wasn’t as devastating as the Eaton Fire, it is part of the broader Los Angeles County fires, which have caused over 25 deaths and injured many more.
Some residents have also started reporting missing family members and friends, which tells us that the impact of this devastating incident is yet to be determined.
Who Is Liable for the Hurst Fire in Southern California?
So far, experts estimate over $250 billion in damages across California. For the affected parties, it’s become crucial to identify the liable party so that they can file claims.
Who is responsible for the Hurst Fire, and can they be held accountable?
A History of Wildfires in California
Although wildfires are common in hot and dry conditions, recent incidents in the United States have revealed that most are caused by human negligence.
In 2018, the Woolsey Fire spread across Los Angeles, burning over 1,600 structures and over 96,000 acres of land. An investigation found that Southern California Edison, a power company that serves the area, failed to maintain its electrical equipment, causing a fire to erupt.
The Camp Fire in 2018 was also caused by human negligence. Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) failed to maintain its power lines, resulting in a spark. This caused the wildfire to start, taking more than 85 lives and destroying over 19,000 homes.
Southern California Edison Acts Quickly After Receiving Evidence Preservation Notices
Investigations are still underway in the Hurst Fire. As soon as local fire agencies started investigating the electrical equipment in the area (Eagle Rock—Sylmar 220 kV circuit), Southern California Edison (SCE) didn’t waste a moment filing another Electrical Safety Incident Report (ESIR) with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). This came after the company received evidence preservation notices.
While authorities found a downed powerline at a tower operated by SCE, the utility company quickly refuted any allegations that surfaced. Its representatives stated that Southern California Edison is unsure whether the affected electrical equipment occurred before or after the Hurst Fire.
A day before filing the ESIR, SCE conducted a preliminary analysis of the four energized transmission lines in Eaton Canyon after videos of the incident spread across the internet. Southern California Edison found no anomalies until more than one hour after the fire’s reported time.
Lawsuit Claims “Failure to Maintain Electric Facilities” as Primary Cause of Hurst Fire
As the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) continues investigating the wildfires across Southern California, victims have filed lawsuits against SCE, citing an electrical arcing event by defective equipment as the primary cause of the devastating fires.
Although SCE alleges that its analysis of the electrical circuit information revealed nothing unusual, victims are not ready to believe anything the power company says.
In the lawsuit, affected parties claimed that Southern California Edison had received several warnings from the National Weather Service about the energized transmission lines. Unfortunately, it failed to take action despite knowing of an extreme fire risk.
Personal Injury Law and California Wildfire Lawsuits: Can You Recover Compensation?
Under personal injury law, injured victims may have legal recourse when a company acts negligently, and its actions cause harm to others.
Affected parties may be able to file a claim or lawsuit against the reckless firm’s insurer to recover the damages caused. However, to stand a chance at obtaining financial compensation, it’s crucial to provide evidence of negligence.
While the California Public Utilities Commission is investigating the wildfires across the state, injured victims need to partner with an experienced wildfire attorney for an impartial investigation.
Sometimes, the government agency or power utility company may manipulate the findings of an investigative report. This can reduce your chances of securing monetary damages, so working with a skilled lawyer is crucial.
What Types of Damages Can You Recover Following the Hurst Fire?
Following injuries caused by someone else’s negligence, an injured victim can typically obtain economic and non-economic damages. The type of damages they can recover depends on the facts surrounding their case.
In the case of the Hurst Fire, it is possible for affected parties to seek payments for the following losses:
- Property damage
- Hospital expenses and other medical bills
- Costs of evacuation and expenses for living in temporary accommodation
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Business losses and disruptions
Personal Injury Titans Join Forces to Help Hurt Fire Victims Seek Justice and Compensation
Whether Southern California Edison failed to maintain its electric facilities or played a role in the Hurst Fire in any other way, Mike Ehline of Ehline Law is here to fight for injured victims, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
I have been affected by the wildfires across California, particularly in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood where I spent much of my childhood. Many have lost their homes and the properties they worked so hard to build.
I’ve made it a personal duty to represent Californian wildfire victims legally. To increase your chances of securing maximum compensation, I’ve partnered with my close friend, Mr. Alan Beck, a premier wildfire attorney with several achievements in this field.
Mr. Bck has extensive trial experience. He successfully litigates wildfire lawsuits in Hawaii and is an expert on the Woolsey and Thomas Fires.
No wildfire attorney is more valuable to me than Mr. Beck. He also discusses legal strategies and shares insights on protecting the rights of wildfire victims on national media.
With Ehline Law and Mr. Beck by your side, you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands. Our over four decades of combined trial experience make us a powerhouse in handling complex litigation related to wildfires with compassion and dedication.
Work with Ehline Law to Rise from the Destruction Caused by the Hurst Fire!
You may be eligible for compensation if you’ve suffered injuries due to the Hurst Fire. Call us at (833) LETS-SUE to schedule a free consultation with an experienced wildfire attorney to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.
