Los Angeles County and the city of Pasadena, along with other public agencies, filed a lawsuit against Edison International and its subsidiary Southern California Edison (SCE) on Wednesday, claiming its role in igniting one of California's worst wildfires.
One of the major fires that began in the hills eastern in Los Angeles in early January, Eton Fire burned more than 14,000 acres roughly sized in Manhattan, leading to dozens of deaths. Authorities have yet to announce the official causes of major fires, including the Eaton Blaze.
Los Angeles County, Los Angeles County Flood Management District, Los Angeles County integrated fire prevention districts, Pasadena and Sierra Madre have filed lawsuits seeking compensation for damages to public resources and infrastructure caused by the fire.
“The lawsuit seeks to retain Edison in Southern California, seeking to recapture the critical infrastructure and taxpayer resources that the fire was destroyed,” said Ed Diab, founding partner of Diab Chambers, representing the utility.
The lawsuit, like everyone else facing the utility, cites eyewitness testimony and images showing fire at the base of a power tower owned by SCE before the flames spread rapidly due to a powerful gust of wind.
Edison International did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. The company's shares have fallen by almost 30% since the onset of the fire.
The lawsuit still assesses the extent of damage and losses caused by the Eton Fire and its aftermath, but is expected to reach at least hundreds of millions of dollars.
Edison International said in its fourth quarter revenue release it has yet to conclude whether its equipment is related to the Eaton fire.
