Multiple lawsuits were filed Monday against Southern California Edison Co. by homeowners who allege the utility is responsible for damage to their homes occurring during the ongoing Eaton Fire, most of which is blazing in Pasadena and Altadena.
The blaze ignited Jan. 7 and has thus far taken at least 16 lives, destroyed or damaged more than 7,000 structures and threatened thousands more. The lawsuits alleges that SCE failed to comply with essential electrical and fire safety standards, including failing to maintain power lines properly and overgrown vegetation.
“In my decades of experience handling wildfire litigation, the Eaton Fire is among the most devastating and heart-wrenching cases I’ve seen,” said Patrick McNicholas, who represents some of the plaintiffs. “This goes beyond a failure of responsibility, it is gross negligence in an area highly vulnerable to wildfires, especially with well-documented weather alerts and high wind risks. We are committed to holding Southern California Edison accountable for their alleged negligence and to seeking justice for victims who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones.”
An SCE representative issued a statement regarding the litigation filed by the McNicholas firm.
“Our hearts remain with our communities during the devastating fires in Southern California, and we remain committed to supporting them through this difficult time,” the statement read. “SCE crews, contractors and mutual assistance partners are dedicated to safely restoring power to our customers. SCE understands that a lawsuit related to the Eaton Fire has been filed, but has not yet been served with the complaint. SCE will review the complaint when it is received. The cause of the fire continues to be under investigation.”
McNicholas said his legal team has met with more than 500 victims over the past three days and that 95% have experienced total home lesses.
“In the dozens of wildfire cases we’ve handled, we have never seen such a high burndown rate,” McNicholas said. “The toll of the Eaton Fire is staggering, displacing families and devastating entire communities.”
During news briefings Monday, authorities said the cause of the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire remained under investigation. They said those investigations were in their infancy.