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Quick Facts

Quick Facts

  • Possible liable party: Southern California Edison Company (SoCal Edison, SCE)
  • Company type: Public utility company (subsidiary of Edison International)
  • Customers serviced: 15 million
  • Jurisdictions serviced: 180 incorporated cities and 15 counties
  • Service area: 50,000 square in central, coastal, and southern California (Excluding the city of Los Angeles)
  • Reason for lawsuits: Failure to properly maintain and operate equipment; failure to de-energize equipment
  • Damages claimed: Loss of life, injuries, property losses, business losses, and others

Southern California Edison and Eaton Wildfire Lawsuit – February 2025 Update

Los Angeles wildfire victims are suing Southern California Edison (SoCal Edison) for possibly causing or failing to mitigate the wildfires that tore through Southern California in January 2025. Affected wildfire victims—including survivors of the Eaton and Hurst Fires—believe SoCal Edison’s faulty equipment may be to blame. Victims of these tragic infernos deserve to have their voices heard and to receive restitution for their immense losses.

SoCal Edison Eaton Fire Lawsuit Timeline & News – February 2025

January 27, 2025: Video Surfaces of SoCal Edison’s Power Lines Arcing Minutes Before the Eaton Fire Started

A new video provides evidence that power lines owned by Southern California Edison (SCE) may have malfunctioned and ignited the Eaton wildfire. On January 26, 2025, video footage from an Arco gas station in Altadena shows electricity arcing between two power lines that were brought into contact by high winds. The footage, recorded at 6:11 p.m. on January 7, is from an area very close to electrical towers in Eaton Canyon, where the fire likely started. SCE maintains that their equipment showed no signs of malfunction before the fires started. However, video evidence, photographic evidence, and eye-witness reports suggest SCE equipment may have been responsible for the Eaton Fire, which ravaged areas of Altadena.

January 24, 2025: Five More Wildfires Erupt in Southern California

While firefighters struggle to tame the Palisades and Eaton wildfires that began on January 7, 2025, five more fires erupt in Southern California. These fires are located in San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Ventura Counties and span nearly 4,500 acres. The largest of these new blazes—the Border 2 Fire—is 0 percent contained and has consumed about 4,250 acres. 

January 23, 2025: Surviving Family Members of LA Wildfire Victims Sue SCE for Wrongful Death

Several families of LA County fire victims sued SCE for causing the fire that killed their loved ones. At least six lawsuits have been filed against Southern California Edison, three of which involved fire-related deaths. The victims and surviving family members accuse SCE of failing to take the proper steps to limit the fire risk and prevent an outbreak or spread in its service area. 

January 22, 2025: Two More Fires Break Out; Judge Orders SoCal Edison To Turn Over Circuit Data

On January 21 and 22, two more fires broke out in Southern California: the Hughes Fire and Clay Fire. Collectively, these fires span over 11,000 acres and have not reached containment status. Meanwhile, a judge ordered SoCal Edison to turn over data from its circuits from the timeframe when the Eaton Fire erupted. 

January 13, 2025: Altadena Victim Sues SoCal Edison for Role in Igniting Eaton Wildfires

Jeremy Gursey sued Southern California Edison on January 13, 2025, accusing the utility company of failing to take precautions that may have prevented the fire. Jeremy and his legal team include detailed images and descriptions of the flickering lights and sparks in the moments before the blaze ignited the brush below a SoCal Edison power line. Like many others, Jeremy lost his home. He seeks damages to cover his fire-related losses.

January 10, 2025: Insurers Ask Southern California Edison To Preserve Evidence of LA County Wildfires

As insurance companies started to receive claims from affected consumers, these agencies sent evidence preservation notices to Southern California Edison. The wildfires began in areas serviced by the subsidiary of Edison International and have taken dozens of lives since. Thousands of acres, including residential land, natural habitat, and commercial districts, were destroyed, damaged, or impacted by the blaze. Thousands were forced to evacuate.

Why Are People Filing Wildfire Lawsuits Against SoCal Edison?

Victims of the Los Angeles wildfires are filing lawsuits against Southern California Edison—SoCal Edison, SCE, and SoCalEd—for how its actions and inaction may have caused the fires or allowed them to spread. Victims believe that SoCal Edison’s equipment may have malfunctioned or emitted sparks that ignited dry brush. In the days leading up to the January 7, 2025, blaze, the National Weather Service had issued a Red Flag Warning ahead of dangerously high Santa Ana winds and dry landscape in the region. 

In past years, SoCalEd has faced legal consequences for failing to maintain trees and brush near or in contact with its power lines. Early reports by residents suggest SoCal Edison may also be at fault for the January 2025 wildfires. The Eaton and Palisades Fires have destroyed over 37,000 acres of land and more than 16,000 structures, including houses, businesses, barns, and parks.

SCE Wildfire Lawsuit Information
Lawsuit types:Civil, strict liability, negligence, personal injury, inverse condemnation, wrongful death, trespass, public and private nuisance
Main damages:Personal injury, death, property damage, evacuation expenses, business losses
Mass tort or class action?Individual lawsuits, but it could develop into a class action or multidistrict litigation
Have there been settlements?No
Legal deadlines:Yes; the deadline to sue depends on each individual’s case
Active lawsuit?Yes

About the Southern California Edison Company

Southern California Edison is a utility company that serves 15 million people throughout about 50,000 square miles of southern, central, and coastal California. It is a subsidiary of Edison International. Southern California Edison does not provide service to the City of Los Angeles, but it does serve many areas within Los Angeles County.  

How is SCE Responsible for the California Wildfires?

Southern California Edison may be responsible for some or all of the wildfires in Los Angeles County. Current regulations and internal protocols may have required SCE to turn off its power lines or equipment when the National Weather Service issued its first Red Flag Warning ahead of the dangerous conditions expected to hit the region on January 7, 2025. Likewise, SCE may have neglected to clear dry brush and vegetation around its electrical lines and to prune or remove trees coming into contact with these power structures. 

Residents of Sylmar—the location of the Hurst Fires—saw sparks coming from a downed power line, then a giant fireball as the brush below went up in flames. Witnesses of the Eaton Fires saw similar occurrences, including flickering inside lights, popping sounds, and a sudden appearance of fire around SCE electrical equipment. SCE also admits that anomalies occurred in its equipment near where the Hurst fires began. 

What Losses Can Wildfire Victims Sue SCE For?

Wildfire victims can sue for damages caused by the fire or the need to evacuate, even if the person believes their losses are minor. Potential losses victims can sue SCE for include the following:

  • Personal injuries from the fire, smoke, or collapsed structures or having to evacuate
  • Loss of a home
  • Loss of a loved one
  • Evacuation or relocation expenses
  • Damaged vehicles or personal property, including garages, sheds, fencing, and landscaping
  • Harm to the victim’s land, including shrubs, trees, grass, or gardens

Additionally, victims may sue SCE for the emotional harm and trauma they endured during and after these tragic fires. 

Can Businesses Sue SCE for Fire-Related Losses?

Yes. Businesses can sue SoCal Edison for losses they experienced because of the fire and its fallout. Compensable damages include destruction of or harm to their property, including inventory, buildings, fixtures, appliances, commercial fleets, animals, or parking lots. People may also be able to recover lost revenue. 

Which Wildfires Might SCE Be Responsible For?

Southern California Edison might be to blame for several wildfires, including the Eaton and Hurst blazes. Preliminary evidence suggests that SCE equipment in Eaton Canyon may have emitted the first sparks that started the wildfire

SCE may also be responsible for the Hurst Fire, according to many Sylmar residents who witnessed sparks and blazes around downed power lines where it began. In an incident report, SCE also reported a downed power conductor near the location of the circuit connected to Sylmar.

SCE Files Incident Reports About the Eaton Fire & Hurst Fire

SoCalEd filed two safety incident reports connected to the Eaton and Hurst fires. On January 9, 2025, SCE indicated that it had received notices from law firms that its equipment may have been involved in the Eaton Canyon fire. The Eaton Fire claimed at least 17 lives and destroyed thousands of structures in Altadena, Pasadena, and the surrounding regions. 

SCE also submitted an incident report on January 10, 2025, indicating its Eagle Rock Sylmar circuit recorded a relay around the time of the Hurst Fire reports. The Hurst Fire, which began near the I-210 Foothill Freeway and Yarnell St.,   consumed about 800 acres and destroyed several homes. 

What Should SCE Have Done to Prevent the Fires and Their Spread?

Wildfire victims claim SCE could have taken actions to prevent the fires from starting and spreading. For example, victims believe SCE should have de-energized its power lines in the Eaton and Hurst regions when the National Weather Service issued the Red Flag Warning and once it heard reports of the fires. Additionally, victims think SCE should have done more to clear the dry vegetation around its equipment, address downed power lines, and remove tree limbs near electrical lines. 

Allegations Against Southern California Edison

Victims allege that SCE was obligated to safely maintain its equipment by clearing vegetation around high-voltage transmission lines in areas with an elevated fire risk. Additionally, victims say SCE’s equipment was outdated and overloaded, which increased the risk of sparks that could ignite. Victims accuse SCE of being negligent in ignoring the risks that its equipment could start a blaze. Victims also say SCE is strictly liable for their losses because of California’s inverse condemnation laws, which require some utility companies to pay for wildfire damage their equipment causes. 

What Stage is the SCE Wildfire Lawsuit In?

The SoCal Edison wildfire lawsuit is in its early stages. Victims are beginning to file cases in the appropriate state courts throughout California. As more victims file lawsuits, there is a possibility of a class action lawsuit, multidistrict litigation, or victim settlement funds being formed.

Will There Be Class Action Lawsuits Against SCE For Wildfire Victims?

Victims may join together in class action lawsuits against SCE. Class action lawsuits allow victims with similar claims against the same defendants to find strength in numbers and increase their leverage against corporate defendants like Southern California Edison. 

Other Wildfires SCE Has Paid Settlements For

Southern California Edison has a history of having to pay settlements because of wildfires involving its equipment. In early 2024, SCE agreed to pay $80 million to settle claims related to the 2017 Thomas Fire, which consumed about 439 square miles in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. SCE did not admit wrongdoing; however, federal prosecutors had accused SCE of allowing its equipment to emit sparks that ignited nearby dry brush. 

In 2019, SCE reached a $210 million settlement related to the 2018 Woolsey Fire that destroyed over 96,000 acres and killed three people. Before federal prosecutors filed the lawsuit, SCE publicly admitted its equipment’s role in starting the record-breaking inferno. 

Who Qualifies to File a Lawsuit Against SCE?

Anyone who experienced losses in Los Angeles County and the related wildfires may qualify for a financial award from SCE, including property owners, renters, evacuees, local governments, and businesses. People may recover compensation for various damages, including personal injury, wrongful death of a loved one, property or land loss or damage, and financial harm. 

What Proof Do You Need to File a Fire Lawsuit Against SoCal Edison?

When you sue SoCal Edison, you need to gather sufficient evidence to prove that you were harmed and that SCE is responsible for those harms. The types of proof you will need depend on what damages you are claiming and your allegations against SCE. Examples of sources of evidence include the following:

  • Medical test results
  • Treatment recommendations
  • Death certificate or coroner’s report
  • Pictures of the property before and after the fires
  • Property records, such as deeds and tax bills
  • Insurance claims
  • Utility bills
  • Statements about how your life is different because of the fire
  • Evacuation-related receipts or records
  • Pay stubs from before and after the fire
  • Receipts for fire-related expenses, including the cost of repairing or replacing items

A licensed attorney can help you determine what proof you need to support your legal claim. They can also assist you by submitting the necessary requests to locate, preserve, and obtain evidence. 

Learn More About SCE Fire Lawsuits From Our Legal Team

Our legal team is devoting our time, resources, and attention to fighting for those impacted by the California wildfires in January 2025. Our hearts break for the people, families, communities, and wildlife ravaged by this tragedy. 

If you were impacted by the fires, reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation. We take wildfire cases on contingency, meaning you may not have to pay us any upfront legal fees. 

What to Expect When Filing a Lawsuit Against SCE Related to the Wildfires

Filing a wildfire lawsuit can be an empowering first step to rebuilding your life. Because the SCE fires likely involve many technical pieces of evidence, you may not receive your settlement immediately. These cases can take months or sometimes a year or more to resolve. However, taking a stand against SoCal Edison for its possible role in what happened to you and your family may bring you peace of mind and much-needed compensation.

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FAQs

People are suing SoCal Edison because its electrical equipment may have started some of the wildfires in Southern California, like the Eaton and Hurst blazes.

Authorities are still investigating whether Southern California Edison is to blame for the 2025 wildfires. Early reports from residents show sparks flying from some of SoCal’s equipment where the fires started.

Yes. People can still sue SoCal Edison, even if they did not lose their house in the fire. People can sue if they were harmed physically, financially, or emotionally by the wildfire, including because of smoke damage to themselves or their property. They can also pursue claims related to displacement during evacuation.

Anyone who was harmed by the wildfires may be able to file a lawsuit against SCE. Eligible harms include injuries, wrongful death, property loss, loss of possessions, business losses, and expenses related to the fire.

Yes. Even if you filed an insurance claim, you may still qualify to sue SCE. An attorney can help you understand your legal options.

There is no class action for the California wildfires yet, but victims may form a class action later as more people file claims against SCE.

The amount someone can get in a wildfire lawsuit depends on the law, the strength of their case, the extent of their damages, and other factors.

It depends. Some attorneys take wildfire cases on contingency, so a victim does not have to pay any upfront legal fees. Instead, the attorney would receive an agreed-upon percentage from the settlement if they win the victim’s case.

Businesses may receive compensation for things like lost revenue, property damage, and destroyed or damaged inventory or equipment.

The deadline to file a lawsuit depends on your unique circumstances, but it may be wise to act quickly to avoid filing too late. A wildfire lawyer can help you figure out what your deadline is and how to meet it.

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WRITTEN BY

Robert King

Attorney

Robert King is the founding partner of The Law Office of Robert King PLLC (King Law). He was born, raised, and educated in upstate New York. He received his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law in 2007, and his B.A. from St. John Fisher University, where he graduated summa cum laude. After serving as senior trial attorney for the Special Victims Unit in Monroe County, NY, he started his own firm. King Law focuses on civil litigation, particularly mass torts and complex cases involving major injuries, dangerous products, drugs, and environmental contaminants.