Largest Federal Appeals Court Shuts Pasadena Courthouse Amid Wildfire Threat 

The nation’s largest United States federal appeals court has temporarily closed its Pasadena courthouse and shifted to remote operations in response to dangerous wildfire conditions threatening Los Angeles County. The closure, announced late Thursday and effective through January 17, aims to protect public safety as fires continue to impact Southern California communities.

The Courthouse is on Grand Avenue on the eastern edge of the Arroyo Seco just south of the Colorado Street Bridge.

“Continuing high winds and the ongoing uncertainty related to the Southern California wildfires” prompted Chief United States Circuit Judge Mary Murguia to order the closure, according to the court’s announcement posted online. The court will maintain operations by conducting previously scheduled arguments remotely, with affected parties already informed of the changes.

The decision affects only the Pasadena location, with the circuit’s other courthouses, including those in San Francisco, remaining open. The Eaton Fire’s proximity has particularly impacted court operations in the region.

The emergency measure comes as wildfires ravage iconic Los Angeles neighborhoods, causing widespread destruction. The blazes have claimed 10 lives and destroyed nearly 10,000 structures, leading other judicial facilities to take similar precautions. The Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday suspended operations at multiple locations, closing its Pasadena courthouse for the day, along with its Hollywood Courthouse and Sylmar Juvenile Courthouse, due to their proximity to the Eaton Fire.