Los Angeles County and the City of Pasadena have taken legal action against Southern California Edison (SCE) and its parent company, Edison International, alleging their role in sparking the catastrophic Eaton Fire. The lawsuits, joined by multiple public agencies, demand accountability for the destruction that ravaged more than 14,000 acres and left a devastating toll in its wake.
The Eaton Fire, which erupted in January in the foothills east of Los Angeles, became one of the most destructive wildfires in recent California history. Though an official cause has yet to be determined, the lawsuits cite images and eyewitness reports that point to a fire igniting at the base of an SCE transmission tower, which was then rapidly spread by fierce winds.
Seeking financial restitution, the legal filings come from Los Angeles County, its flood control and fire protection districts, as well as the cities of Pasadena and Sierra Madre. The plaintiffs argue that Southern California Edison should be held responsible for the widespread damage to public infrastructure and resources.
“The lawsuits aim to recover taxpayer funds and rebuild critical infrastructure lost in the fire,” said Ed Diab, a representative for the public entities involved.
In response, Edison International stated it is reviewing the claims but has not yet determined whether its equipment played a role in the blaze. The company has also refrained from estimating potential financial liabilities, citing the early stages of the investigation.
With damages expected to reach into the hundreds of millions, the legal battle over the Eaton Fire is just beginning, adding to a growing list of wildfire-related lawsuits that have plagued California utilities in recent years.
