The county of Los Angeles has taken a significant step by initiating legal action against Southern California Edison. The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, accuses the utility company of being responsible for the Eaton Fire that occurred in January. This devastating fire resulted in the destruction of over 9,400 structures and the tragic loss of 17 lives in the Altadena area.
In its statement, the county expressed its intention to seek compensation for the costs and damages incurred as a result of the fire. The lawsuit highlights the impact on essential community infrastructure, natural resources, environmental harm, wildlife, and public health posed by the blaze.
Furthermore, the lawsuit reveals that various county departments have faced additional costs in providing ongoing support to residents who are recovering from the aftermath of the fire. The county emphasized the importance of its case in facilitating the restoration and rebuilding process for the community, including homes and businesses affected by the disaster.
Responding to the lawsuit, Southern California Edison stated that they are reviewing the legal proceedings and will address them through the appropriate channels. The investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing, with evidence suggesting that it may have started under Edison transmission lines in Eaton Canyon.
The county’s lawsuit seeks to recover costs and receive compensation for a wide range of damages, including destroyed infrastructure, recreational areas, parks, road damage, cleanup and recovery efforts, flood and mudslide prevention, workers’ compensation claims, overtime for workers, lost taxes, and more. County Counsel Dawyn R. Harrison emphasized the county’s commitment to seeking justice for the Altadena community and the taxpayers of Los Angeles County.
Notably, the plaintiffs in this case include the County, the County Flood Control District, and the County’s Consolidated Fire Protection District. Additionally, the cities of Pasadena and Sierra Madre are also pursuing legal action against Edison for damages to taxpayer resources and public infrastructure resulting from the Eaton Fire.
