At least four lawsuits accuse electric company Southern California Edison (SCE) of causing the major Eaton fire in the Los Angeles area.
The lawsuits claim the company failed to de-energize its lines crossing Eaton Canyon despite a wind warning.
One lawsuit, filed on behalf of a man who lost his home in the fire, alleges SCE failed to “de-energize its overhead distribution and/or transmission power lines traversing Eaton Canyon on the evening the Eaton Fire started despite a Red Flag PDS warning being issued by the National Weather Service the day before the ignition of the Eaton Fire” and “design, operate, and/or maintain its overhead electrical facilities in a safe manner including but not limited to adequate clearances, loading, shielding angles, spacing, sagging, splicing, staggering, tensioning, and grounding of its overhead distribution and/or transmission power lines and equipment.”
The lawsuit adds that the “property damage and economic losses caused by the Eaton Fire is the result of the ongoing custom and practice of Defendant of consciously disregarding the safety of the public and not following statutes, regulations, standards, and rules regarding the safe operation, use and maintenance of their overhead electric facilities.”
“Plaintiffs allege, on information and belief, that SCE violated these duties by knowingly operating aging and improperly-maintained infrastructure,” the lawsuit says. “SCE was well aware of the risks of negligently operating its electrical equipment.”
Another lawsuit alleges Edison “negligently, recklessly, and willfully” failed to maintain and operate its infrastructure.
“Despite knowing of an extreme fire risk, Defendants deliberately prioritized profits over safety. This recklessness and conscious disregard for human safety was a substantial factor in bringing about the Eaton Fire,” it says.
An SCE spokesperson said in a statement to ABC 7: “Our hearts remain with our community during the devastating fires in Southern California, and we remain committed to supporting them through this difficult time. 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 SCE 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.”
