Massive Wildfires Destroy Homes and Displace Thousands
At least 36 judges and employees from federal and state courts have lost their homes to the wildfires that have ravaged parts of Los Angeles, according to court officials. These homes are among the more than 12,000 structures destroyed or damaged during the nine-day disaster, which has forced 200,000 people to evacuate and claimed at least 25 lives.
Despite the widespread destruction, nearly all federal and state courthouses in Los Angeles County have resumed operations. However, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ Pasadena courthouse remains closed.
Impact on Judicial Community
Court officials are currently assessing the full extent of the wildfires’ impact on their personnel. Rob Oftring, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Superior Court, confirmed that 13 judicial officers and 12 staff members from the superior court lost their homes. Many others are still uncertain about the status of their residences.
On the federal side, Brian Karth, the district court executive for the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, reported that 11 employees, including five judges, lost their homes. In total, 43 of the court’s approximately 590 employees have been affected by the fires through lost homes, evacuations, or other impacts.
Support and Relief Efforts
The courts are providing various forms of support to affected employees. Federal court employees who are able to work are being allowed to telework, while those who have lost essential possessions like cars or homes are permitted to take time off. “We’re doing what we can to assist them and understand their circumstances,” Karth said.
Both federal and state courts are offering remote appearances for lawyers and litigants, and requests to delay proceedings are being considered on a case-by-case basis. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles has also been affected, with several attorneys losing their homes. Office spokesperson Ciaran McEvoy noted that the Justice Department is offering counseling, crisis assistance, and referrals for disaster relief to those impacted.
The legal community continues to provide aid and support to its members during this challenging time, ensuring that both personal recovery and judicial operations can proceed.
