California’s second-largest utility is accused of starting the Eaton Fire, one of the devastating Los Angeles fires that have collectively claimed at least 24 lives and displaced tens of thousands. Jeremy Gursey, a Los Angeles resident, filed a lawsuit this week in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleging that Southern California Edison’s equipment ignited the blaze, which destroyed his Altadena home. The suit seeks compensatory and punitive damages.
Southern California Edison has denied the allegations, stating that its analysis of circuits and transmission lines in the area revealed no operational anomalies in the 12 hours before the fire’s reported start time. The utility added that there were no service interruptions until over an hour after the fire began.
Meanwhile, local officials have yet to determine the cause of the fire. However, officials confirmed they are investigating an electrical transmission tower in Eaton Canyon as a potential origin point.
This lawsuit is one of several filed against Southern California Edison in connection with recent fires. Another suit, stemming from the Palisades Fire, accuses the utility of negligence, claiming it failed to de-energize electrical equipment despite clear warnings.
Southern California Edison has stated it has not yet been served with this lawsuit but will review it upon receipt.
The legal challenges facing the utility echo similar cases, such as the 2019 lawsuit against Pacific Gas & Electric, which ultimately led to that utility filing for bankruptcy.
Attorneys representing fire victims indicate that additional lawsuits against Southern California Edison are likely, as they continue to meet with individuals affected by the fires.
