Federal Prosecutors Sue Southern California Edison Over Eaton, Fairview Wildfires

Federal prosecutors have filed a civil complaint against Southern California Edison, alleging the utility’s negligence caused the deadly Eaton fire in Altadena and the Fairview fire near Hemet. The lawsuits, filed on Thursday, seek tens of millions of dollars in damages, accusing Edison of faulty power infrastructure leading to the blazes.

The Eaton fire, which occurred on January 7, resulted in 19 fatalities and destroyed over 9,000 structures. Prosecutors claim the fire ignited from Edison’s power infrastructure. The Fairview fire in 2022 killed two people and destroyed 36 homes, for which the California Public Utilities Commission previously fined Edison $2.2 million.

Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stated there was no reason to await the full official investigation results for the Eaton fire, citing evidence and Edison’s own statements. He stressed the urgency to compel Edison to improve its infrastructure maintenance, particularly with fire season approaching, emphasizing that the utility, not ratepayers, should bear the costs of its alleged negligence. Edison has stated it is reviewing the lawsuits and is committed to wildfire mitigation.

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