Kristian Fors, a Los Angeles County resident and researcher at the California-based Independent Institute, says residents are wondering what their tax dollars are being used for as officials struggle to contain devastating wildfires.
A California utility company is facing a series of lawsuits claiming its equipment started the Eaton Fire, one of the largest of multiple fires started last week and still ongoing. burning in the Los Angeles area.
Southern California Edison, owned by Edison International, was hit with four lawsuits Monday, all accusing the company of starting the fire, according to the Los Angeles Times. The Eaton Fire alone burned more than 14,000 acres, destroyed more than 2,700 structures and left 15 people dead.
Homes burn as powerful winds fan the Eaton Fire January 7, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (David McNew/Getty Images/Getty Images)
The lawsuits were filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of homeowners, tenants, business owners and others whose properties were destroyed by the Eaton Fire in the Pasadena area.
At least 24 people have died since several fires broke out last Tuesday, and more than 90,000 residents have been forced to flee their homes. More than twenty people are missing, authorities said.
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The Eaton Fire in the foothills east of the city of Los Angeles is the second most destructive inferno in California history, according to a complaint.
The lawsuits cite several eyewitness accounts and images that appear to show a fire at the base of a transmission tower owned by Southern California Edison (SCE) before powerful gusts of Santa Ana wind quickly spread the flames.
Power transmission lines after the Eaton Fire in the hills above Altadena, California, January 13, 2025. (Benjamin Fanjoy/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
The lawsuits say Edison’s infrastructure in the area was still energized at the time of the fire. Last Wednesday, Southern California Edison said its distribution lines immediately west of Eaton Canyon were deenergized well before the fire’s reported start time.
Edison International did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment on the lawsuits, but a SoCal Edison spokesperson previously told KTLA-TV in a statement: “Our hearts remain with our communities during the devastating fires here in Southern California and we remain committed. to support them during this difficult time. »
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“SCE crews, contractors and mutual aid partners are dedicated to safely restoring power to our customers,” the statement continued. “SCE understands that a lawsuit related to the Eaton Fire has been filed, but has not yet received a complaint. SCE will review the complaint once it is received. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. subject to investigation.”
Southern California Edison workers replace a transformer on Holt Street in Santa Ana, California, September 10, 2021. The company is accused in lawsuits of starting the Eaton Fire. (Paul Bersebach/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via /Getty Images)
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Edison International stocks fell nearly 12% to $57.24 on Monday. They have plunged about 27% since the fires began last week.
Reuters contributed to this report.
