Four lawsuits were filed Monday against Southern California Edison, alleging their responsibility for the Eaton fire, which erupted during a severe windstorm and caused extensive property damage.
Legal representatives of Altadena residents announced these actions, representing clients who experienced evacuation or complete loss of their homes in the Eaton fire, accordin to LA Times’ report. The lawsuits cite the fire’s origin beneath a Southern California Edison transmission tower, though official investigations remain incomplete.
Attorney Richard Bridgford, representing a local homeowner, said, “We believe that the Eaton fire was ignited because of SCE’s failure to de-energize its overhead wires, which traverse Eaton Canyon.”
The additional lawsuits represent diverse claimants- a FedEx employee who lost their Altadena residence, a property owner who leased their Altadena property, and multiple Altadena homeowners, all presenting similar allegations.
Ali Moghaddas from Edelson PC, counsel for the FedEx employee, criticised the utility company’s inadequate response despite advance weather warnings. “They chose not to use all the tools at their disposal,” he claimed.
Meanwhile, attorney Gerald Singleton, representing a landlord, emphasised the importance of early legal action to preserve evidence. Alexander Robertson, representing several Altadena residents, criticised the company’s decision to maintain power during severe weather conditions.
Jeff Monford, the utility’s spokesperson, acknowledged awareness of the lawsuits but says the the firm has not been served yet, stating their commitment to supporting affected communities whilst maintaining that their transmission tower was not responsible.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection continues its investigation, with LA Times reporting thar Cal Fire secured the transmission tower site where the fire allegedly originated.
Whilst the lawsuits reference Southern California Edison’s previous wildfire incidents, experts like Michael Wara from Stanford University’s Climate and Energy Policy Program advise against premature conclusions.
The Eaton fire, which began at 6.15 pm (local time) on January 7, has resulted in 17 fatalities and extensive structural damage, with containment at 33%.
