US Sues Southern California Edison Over Deadly Los Angeles Wildfire
The United States government has launched a series of lawsuits against Southern California Edison (SCE), accusing the utility giant of negligence that allegedly sparked some of the worst wildfires in Southern California’s recent history, including a blaze that ravaged parts of Los Angeles in January.
The Department of Justice (DOJ), in filings submitted Thursday, said it had “no doubt” that SCE’s equipment caused the Eaton Fire, which swept through Altadena, killing 19 people, injuring scores, and destroying thousands of homes and businesses.
Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, speaking on the government’s position, condemned the company for what he described as a “troubling pattern of negligence” that has repeatedly endangered lives and properties.
“The lawsuits filed today allege a troubling pattern of negligence resulting in death, destruction, and tens of millions of federal taxpayer dollars spent to clean up one utility company’s mistakes,” Essayli said. “We hope that today’s filings are the first step in causing the beginnings of a culture change at Southern California Edison, one that will make it a responsible, conscientious company that helps not harms — our community.”
The Eaton Fire, which began on the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains before racing into residential areas, forced mass evacuations and left entire neighborhoods in ruins. Federal officials say the government has spent tens of millions of dollars in disaster response, firefighting, and environmental cleanup, costs they now seek to recover from the utility.
The lawsuits also reference other recent fires linked to SCE’s infrastructure, alleging a pattern of poor maintenance, insufficient safety practices, and failure to implement preventive measures despite repeated warnings.
Wildfires sparked by electrical equipment have become a recurring issue in California, where dry conditions, aging power lines, and high winds combine to create devastating fire risks. Utilities in the state, including SCE and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), have faced increasing scrutiny and multibillion-dollar liabilities in recent years.
Southern California Edison has not yet publicly responded to the federal lawsuits, but the company has previously said it invests heavily in wildfire mitigation measures, such as equipment upgrades and vegetation management.
The DOJ said the lawsuits are intended not only to recover public funds but also to hold the company accountable and push it toward systemic reforms.
If successful, the case could have far-reaching implications for how California utilities manage wildfire risks and compensate victims of disasters tied to their equipment.
