Southern California Edison accused over Eaton fire, which killed 17 people and destroyed nearly 10,000 structures
Los Angeles county is suing Southern California Edison, alleging the utility’s equipment sparked January’s deadly Eaton fire.
The fire was one of several major blazes that tore through the region starting on 7 January. It killed at least 17 people in the Altadena area of Los Angeles, and destroyed more than 9,400 structures.
The lawsuit seeks to recover costs and damages sustained from the blaze, including the devastation to community infrastructure, the region’s environment and public health.
Additional costs have been incurred by county departments for support in assisting residents recovering from the fire’s destruction, the county said.
“The county’s case is essential to the restoration and rebuilding process for the community, including residences and businesses, to recover from the devastation,” the statement said.
Edison was reviewing the lawsuit and “will address it through the appropriate legal process”, utility spokesperson Kathleen Dunleavy said on Wednesday.
The fire’s cause is still under investigation.
The complaint alleges that witnesses, photos and videos indicate the fire started directly under Edison transmission lines in Eaton Canyon.
“We are committed to seeking justice for the Altadena community and the taxpayers of Los Angeles county,” the county counsel, Dawyn Harrison, said in a statement.
The county, the county flood control district and the county’s consolidated fire protection district are the plaintiffs in the case.
The cities of Pasadena and Sierra Madre are also filing suits against Edison for damages to taxpayer resources and public infrastructure incurred from the Eaton fire, according to the county.
