Los Angeles County Sues Edison Over Devastating Eaton Fire

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles County has filed a lawsuit against Southern California Edison, claiming the utility’s equipment sparked the Eaton Fire on January 7, which destroyed over 9,400 structures and resulted in 17 fatalities in the Altadena area. The lawsuit seeks to recover costs exceeding hundreds of millions of dollars incurred from the fire, which significantly damaged community infrastructure and natural resources.

The county’s complaint follows more than 40 lawsuits already initiated by residents against Edison, focusing on the utility’s transmission towers where the fire ignited. Cities like Pasadena and Sierra Madre are also planning to pursue legal action against the utility, alleging damages to taxpayer resources and infrastructure. County counsel Dawyn R. Harrison emphasized the importance of this legal action, stating, “We are committed to seeking justice for the Altadena community and the taxpayers of Los Angeles County.”

This lawsuit marks the third case brought against Edison by the county since 2018. Previous lawsuits resulted in a settlement of $64 million concerning the Woolsey Fire and $80 million related to another incident in 2020. Edison spokesperson Kathleen Dunleavy commented on the ongoing legal proceedings, affirming that the company is reviewing the lawsuit and will respond through appropriate legal channels.

The lawsuit accuses Edison of failing to adequately maintain its equipment and surrounding vegetation, which is mandated by state regulations. It also claims Edison neglected to deactivate power circuits during extreme weather conditions, despite warnings from the National Weather Service about extreme fire risks leading up to the Eaton Fire.

According to the county’s allegations, photo and video evidence suggests the fire originated from Edison transmission towers. The filing referenced a fault detected in the power line around the time of the fire, coinciding with an electrical anomaly observed by utility investigators.

In an earlier statement to the California Public Utilities Commission, Edison acknowledged a fault on a power line that could be related to the fire but maintained that its equipment had not been conclusively linked to its ignition. Dunleavy noted that the utility is exploring all possibilities in its investigation of the fire, stating, “While we do not yet know what caused the Eaton wildfire, SCE is exploring every possibility in its investigation, including the possibility that SCE’s equipment was involved.”

As the investigation continues, the ongoing recovery efforts for the Altadena community are critical. The fires not only caused devastating loss of life but also threatened the public health and safety of the region. The county is adamant about ensuring accountability and securing necessary funds for rebuilding infrastructure and community support, highlighting the essential role of their legal actions.

Both Pasadena and Sierra Madre have also filed lawsuits alleging similar claims against Edison, seeking compensation for damages to public lands and infrastructure. “The documented weather warnings provided Edison with ample notice of the dangerous conditions developing in our community,” said Sierra Madre Mayor Robert Parkhurst, stressing the preventability of the disaster.

The Eaton Fire, which burned 14,021 acres before being contained after 24 days, is among the latest in a series of devastating wildfires attributed to utility equipment in California. The investigation into its cause, as well as the Palisades Fire igniting the same day, remains ongoing.