After losing their $3 million home in the recent Palisades Fire, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag are taking legal action against the city of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP), claiming their negligence contributed to the devastating loss.
The reality TV stars, known for their roles in The Hills, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday, alleging that the city and DWP’s actions contributed to the destruction of their home. The legal action is based on a claim of inverse condemnation, a legal term that allows property owners to seek compensation for damages caused by public entities, as outlined by the Los Angeles Times.
The couple accuses both the city and DWP of negligence in maintaining essential infrastructure, which they say directly impacted the ability to control the fire. According to their lawsuit, a critical reservoir near their home had been empty for months, leaving firefighters without the necessary water supply to combat the blaze. Pratt and Montag argue that the DWP’s decision to drain the reservoir, in an apparent attempt to reduce costs, left the area vulnerable to the fire.
The lawsuit also highlights the alleged flaws in the city’s water system design, claiming it was inadequate for responding to a wildfire of this scale. The couple’s attorneys assert that city officials admitted as much after the fire had already broken out.
Pratt and Montag are among a group of at least 20 residents who are suing the city and DWP for compensation following the devastating wildfire that tore through the Pacific Palisades area, a neighborhood known for its celebrity residents. The fire caused widespread destruction, including the loss of several oceanfront homes.
The couple has openly shared their emotional journey since the fire, with Montag expressing her grief over the loss of their home. In a heartfelt post on TikTok, she said, “I never imagined it would be the last time we’d see our house. I’m heartbroken for everyone else going through this.”
Pratt, who described the experience as a “nightmare come true,” was seen digging through the charred remains of their property. Despite the tragedy, the couple has remained active in the public eye. Montag has revived her music career, while Pratt continues to engage with fans on TikTok, even revealing the unexpected financial gains he’s made since the disaster.
