Structure fire

California lawmakers have passed Senate Bill 1153, which would give water agencies a legal defense against lawsuits blaming them for hydrants running dry during wildfires. The bill clarifies that public water agencies have no duty to design or maintain systems for wildfire suppression, and that loss of water pressure during a wildfire is not a "substantial cause" of fire damages. It also requires water suppliers in high fire-risk zones to include wildfire-specific response procedures in disaster plans. The measure, sponsored by the Assn. of California Water Agencies, awaits Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature.

The bill follows lawsuits against Los Angeles and the LADWP over hydrant failures and an empty Santa Ynez Reservoir during January 2025's Palisades fire, which killed 12 people. Similar hydrant failures occurred in the Eaton fire and past blazes including the Tubbs, Thomas, and Woolsey fires. A separate bill requiring water agencies to disclose backup pump power failed, though a narrower Ventura County law mandating backup power was enacted last year. Supporters say SB 1153 protects ratepayers from costly litigation; critics argue it lets agencies avoid accountability for preparedness gaps.