Los Angeles County has filed a lawsuit against Southern California Edison, alleging that the utility's equipment caused the devastating Eaton Fire. The fire, which ignited on January 7, destroyed over 9,000 structures, burned more than 14,000 acres, and resulted in 17 fatalities, making it one of the most destructive wildfires in California's history. The county seeks to recover hundreds of millions of dollars in costs related to firefighting, emergency response, and infrastructure repairs.
The lawsuit claims that Edison’s equipment either came into contact with vegetation or sparked, igniting the blaze. The county accuses Edison of failing to maintain its infrastructure and vegetation surrounding its transmission towers. The lawsuit also points to a filing by Edison with the California Public Utilities Commission, revealing a surge in electrical current in the area at the time the fire started.
Southern California Edison has acknowledged the possibility that its equipment may have played a role in the fire but stated that no definitive cause has been determined. The company is reviewing the lawsuit and plans to address it through the legal process. The cities of Pasadena and Sierra Madre have also filed similar lawsuits against the utility.
This lawsuit marks the third time Los Angeles County has sued Edison since 2018, following settlements over the Woolsey and Bobcat fires. Edison faces mounting scrutiny and numerous lawsuits related to the Eaton Fire, as investigations continue to determine the exact cause of the blaze.