SoCal Edison Files Lawsuits Over Eaton Fire, Accusing Multiple Agencies
Southern California Edison has initiated legal action against various Los Angeles County entities, local water agencies, and the Southern California Gas Company, alleging that their failures exacerbated the severity of the Eaton Fire that occurred last year.
The utility submitted cross-complaints in Los Angeles Superior Court, targeting Los Angeles County, Pasadena Water and Power, and five additional water agencies, according to a report by KABC-TV. A separate lawsuit was also filed against SoCalGas.
The Eaton Fire, which broke out on January 7, 2025, resulted in the loss of 19 lives and the destruction of over 9,400 homes and structures. The blaze, which covered 22 square miles (57 square kilometers), took nearly a month for firefighters to fully contain.
While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, initial evidence points to an inactive power line owned by the utility as a possible ignition source.
In their legal filings, SoCal Edison asserts that Los Angeles County agencies were negligent in issuing timely evacuation notifications to residents of east and west Altadena, where 18 of the 19 fatalities occurred.
Official representatives from Los Angeles County have refrained from commenting on the latest legal proceedings.
The utility further contends that water agencies, including Pasadena Water and Power, failed to supply adequate water supplies as the fire progressed, leaving firefighting efforts hampered by insufficient resources.
Additionally, SoCal Edison has filed a separate court document accusing SoCalGas of delaying gas shutoffs by four days after the fire’s onset. The utility argues that these delays contributed to gas leaks and fires fueled by gas, worsening the situation.
SoCalGas has stated it is currently reviewing the allegations and intends to respond appropriately in court. Meanwhile, officials from Pasadena have dismissed SoCal Edison’s allegations, asserting that the utility’s own equipment was the likely fire source.
In the aftermath, SoCal Edison is currently facing 998 lawsuits filed by fire victims, insurance companies, and governmental bodies. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Justice has launched a lawsuit against the company for damage caused to National Forest land.
