Spencer Pratt holds Newsom, LADWP ‘culpable for week-long smolder’ of Palisades fire

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA: Spencer Pratt isn’t staying silent. After losing his home in the devastating Palisades wildfire, the reality TV star has vowed to hold those he believes responsible accountable. 

Pratt has openly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), accusing them of failing to act and letting the disaster escalate. His wife, Heidi Montag, has stood by his side throughout. He said, "Gavin Newsom and the state are culpable," while speaking with the the Daily Mail.

The reality star, 42, and his family were just one of the thousands of victims who lost their homes in the incident.

The wildfire originated from a smaller blaze known as the Lachman Fire, which started on New Year’s Day and was thought to be extinguished. Driven by strong winds, it quickly spread, becoming one of the most destructive fires in Los Angeles history. 

Spencer Pratt holds Newsom equally responsible for Palisades wildfire

Spencer Pratt insists that Gavin Newsom and the state share responsibility for the Palisades wildfire, arguing that officials allowed the blaze to smolder for an entire week without taking action to contain it.

"This is why Gavin Newsom and the state are culpable: they allowed a fire to smolder for a week without doing anything to mitigate it. This arrest is a shot in the arm for our case, because it validates everything we are arguing," he told Daily Mail.

After the destruction of his home, Pratt and his family have been staying at their residence in Santa Barbara. He expressed confidence that the recent arrest of Uber driver Jonathan Rinderknecht, charged with maliciously starting the fire, strengthens his lawsuit.

Pratt added, "It was always the main crux of our legal case that somebody lit the Lachman Fire on New Year’s Eve, that fire was not properly contained, and it rekindled. This is why Gavin Newsom and the state are culpable: they allowed a fire to smolder for a week without doing anything to mitigate it. This arrest is a shot in the arm for our case, because it validates everything we are arguing."

Who was behind the destructive Palisades Fire?

The wildfire, known as the Lachman Fire, began on New Year’s Day and later rekindled into the massive Palisades Fire. In October 2025, federal authorities arrested Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, for intentionally starting the blaze.

Investigators say Rinderknecht used a lighter to ignite combustible materials, sparking a small fire that ultimately grew into one of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles history. The Palisades Fire claimed 12 lives, destroyed more than 6,800 structures, and caused over $150 billion in damages, as per Fox News.

Among those who lost their homes were Spencer Pratt and his wife, Heidi Montag. Pratt’s outspoken criticism and calls for accountability have drawn attention to broader issues of wildfire prevention in California.