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Hurst Fire

Updated 1/9/2025

Did an Electric Company Start the Hurst Fire? 

The Hurst Fire near San Fernando started late in the evening on January 7, 2025. High winds and extremely dry conditions allowed the fire to accelerate, threatening hundreds of homes in Sylmar and the surrounding neighborhood. It was estimated to be 700 acres large as of 11:20 am on January 8, 2025.

The Hurst Fire sparked a stone’s throw from Filbert Street, which is a heavily settled residential road. Southern California Edison (SCE) high voltage electric transmission lines run above the ignition site. Similar electric utility equipment caused the 2018 Camp Fire that destroyed Paradise.

What Caused the Hurst Fire?

The cause of the Hurst Fire is under investigation according to officials. Considering the proximity of SCE power lines to the Hurst Fire ignition site, we will be closely monitoring this fire and providing updates. 

When wildfires start near utility lines, the companies that own and maintain the lines are investigated. When the negligence of a utility company is determined to be a factor, the cause of the fire often boils down to one or two negligent practices: poor vegetation management and insufficient equipment maintenance. 

  • Poor Vegetation Management – Sometimes an electric utility fails to manage grass, trees, and other vegetation around its live equipment. That failure creates an increased risk of dry organic material falling on a power line. If that happens, the dry tree or branch can easily catch fire, and flames can quickly spread to additional tinder nearby.
  • Insufficient Equipment Maintenance – A power company’s failure to properly maintain its equipment also poses undue risk of wildfire. Old utility poles that have been compromised by insects and the elements are easily knocked down by strong winds. Once the poles are down, anything in contact with the live utility wire is likely to catch flame. High winds will fuel and spread these fires rapidly.

High winds and dry conditions are contributing to the severity and acceleration of the Hurst Fire and other LA wildfires.

Tips for Wildfire Preparedness and Evacuations

Meanwhile, if you are affected by a wildfire or if you live in a wildfire-prone area, be prepared to evacuate. Below are some tips to prepare:

  • Get Out Early – Firefighters cannot save homes if they are saving people who evacuated too late instead. 
  • Do Not Stay Behind to Fight the Fire Yourself – Municipal water and electricity often fail as the fire nears, do not count on being there either if you try to stay behind. 
  • Pack and Prepare Before You Need to Leave – You may only have seconds to leave your home, so being ready is important. Gather the most important items early and pack them in your car. 
  • Get Your Car Ready – Back your car into the driveway and do not leave it in the garage. The power may fail and trap the car.
  • Gather Pets and Animals Early – Pets and animals get very skittish and frightened as fire approaches. They will often hide in places that are hard to get them out of. Even if it seems mean to keep them in a travel kennel or on a leash longer than necessary, it is better than having to leave them behind. 
  • If You Have Time, Do a Video Walkthrough of Your Home – Insurance companies often need an inventory of what was lost in your home. Having even a quick walkthrough of the house on video can help greatly and result in tens or hundreds of thousands more dollars from your insurance company. 
  • Grab What Can’t Be Replaced – You might immediately think of saving the items you will need first like clothes and toiletries. Instead, focus on the items that cannot be replaced. You can get new clothes from donations or a store in the coming days, but you cannot get new photo albums, family heirlooms, or treasured keepsakes. 

Stay Updated on the Los Angeles Wildfires

Always follow official updates, evacuation orders, and evacuation warnings.

Fires can change behavior and direction unexpectedly. If you do not need to be in the area, stay away. 

About Danko Meredith

Danko Meredith has over 30 years of experience holding utility companies accountable for their actions. The Danko Meredith team has represented thousands of people who have lost their homes to a utility-caused fire. We have represented clients all over the state, including those who were affected by the 2017 Thomas Fire. We have also represented thousands of clients throughout northern California, in Contra Costa County, Mendocino County, Butte County, Napa County, Sonoma County, Calaveras County, and Lake County. We have experience working with homeowners, renters, condominium owners, agricultural landowners, employees, and business owners.

Contact us for updates on whether SCE sparked the Hurst Fire. Please stay safe.

Attorney Referrals and Joint Ventures

Danko Meredith is recognized as one of the leading plaintiff’s trial law firms in California and collaborates with attorneys and law firms on case referrals.

If you would like to assist your clients and team up with successful and experienced fire attorneys, please contact us to discuss referral percentages.