Altadena, CA – Southern California Edison (SCE) is taking action to determine responsibility for the devastating Eaton Fire of January 2025. The utility company has filed legal complaints alleging that failures by Los Angeles County, local water providers, and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) contributed to the fire’s severity.
The complaints, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, claim that Los Angeles County agencies did not provide timely evacuation warnings to residents, particularly in West Altadena, where a significant number of fatalities occurred. SCE also alleges that water agencies, including Pasadena Water and Power, did not supply adequate water, hindering firefighters’ efforts.
In a separate filing, SCE asserts that SoCalGas was slow to shut off gas lines after the fire began, contributing to the blaze’s intensity. SoCalGas has stated they are reviewing the complaint. Pasadena officials dispute SCE’s claims, suggesting the utility’s equipment was the source of the fire.
The Eaton Fire resulted in 19 deaths, the destruction of thousands of homes, and significant environmental damage. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. SCE is currently facing nearly a thousand lawsuits related to the fire.
