Summary
Southern California Edison filed lawsuits against several entities, including Los Angeles County, local water agencies, and the Southern California Gas Company. The utility claims these parties made mistakes that worsened the Eaton Fire, which began in January 2025 and caused significant destruction and loss of life. Investigations continue to determine the initial cause of the fire.
Key Facts
- Southern California Edison filed lawsuits in Los Angeles Superior Court.
- The fire started on January 7, 2025, killing 19 people and destroying over 9,400 structures.
- The cause of the fire is still being investigated, but evidence suggests it might have started from an idle power line.
- Edison claims local agencies did not send evacuation warnings quickly enough.
- Most victims lived in west Altadena, where timely evacuations were allegedly lacking.
- The utility also blames water agencies for not providing enough water and SoCalGas for delayed gas shutoffs.
- SoCal Edison faces 998 lawsuits related to the fire.
- The U.S. Department of Justice has also sued the utility for damage to National Forest land.
