Lawsuit Claims Edison Equipment Caused Eaton Fire

Southern California Edison (SCE) is facing multiple lawsuits alleging its equipment ignited the Eaton Fire, one of the most destructive wildfires in California history, which has charred over 14,000 acres and led to at least 24 fatalities. The lawsuit, filed by affected homeowners and business owners, claims that inadequate maintenance of SCE's electrical infrastructure and non-compliance with vegetation management rules directly contributed to the fire's outbreak. Eyewitness accounts and social media evidence reportedly link a transmission tower owned by SCE to the fire's ignition point. In response to the lawsuits and ongoing investigations, SCE has stated it will review the complaints upon receipt. The company’s stock has suffered significantly, dropping nearly 12% as concerns mount regarding its accountability in the disaster. Meanwhile, SCE has filed reports indicating they found a downed conductor near another fire, but they maintain that no direct evidence connects their equipment to the Eaton Fire's cause.