The United States government has filed two lawsuits against Southern California Edison Co. (SCE), alleging the utility’s negligence caused the Eaton and Fairview fires in Southern California. The suits seek tens of millions of dollars in damages, citing extensive destruction of federal lands, loss of life, and significant costs to federal agencies.
According to the lawsuits, the Eaton Fire started on January 7, 2025, on or near National Forest System lands within the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County. The fire was reportedly ignited by faulty power infrastructure owned and operated by SCE. Nearly 8,000 acres were burned, including Forest Service roads, trails, campgrounds, and other facilities. Eighteen people died and more than 10,000 structures were destroyed.
SCE acknowledged operating transmission towers in the area where the fire began and reported a “fault” on one of its lines at that time. The company stated it was “not aware of evidence pointing to another possible source of ignition.” Federal officials allege SCE failed to maintain its equipment properly.
The United States Forest Service spent millions responding to the Eaton Fire and is seeking over $40 million in damages for suppression costs and environmental rehabilitation.
The Fairview Fire ignited on September 5, 2022, when a sagging SCE power line contacted a Frontier communications cable in Hemet. This incident sparked a blaze that burned nearly 14,000 acres within the San Bernardino National Forest. Damage included destruction of roads and the Red Mountain Lookout facility used for fire detection. The fire also had adverse effects on wildlife habitats and endangered species. Forty-four structures were lost; two people died; three others—including two firefighters—were injured.
Federal authorities allege SCE failed to maintain adequate clearance between its lines and other cables as required by safety regulations. Damages sought total approximately $37 million for suppression efforts related to the Fairview Fire.
“These lawsuits filed today allege a troubling pattern of negligence resulting in death, destruction, and tens of millions of federal taxpayer dollars spent to clean up one utility company’s mistakes,” said Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “We hope that today’s filings are the first step in causing the beginnings of a culture change at Southern California Edison, one that will make it a responsible, conscientious company that helps – not harms – our community. Hardworking Californians should not pick up the tab for Edison’s negligence.”
Assistant United States Attorney Paul Bart Green is overseeing litigation for the Eaton Fire case; Assistant United States Attorney Margaret M. Chen is handling matters related to the Fairview Fire lawsuit.
