US Files Two Federal Lawsuits Against SoCal Edison Over Deadly Southern California Wildfires

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed two lawsuits against Southern California Edison (SCE), seeking approximately $37 million in damages for negligence linked to the deadly Eaton Fire in January 2025 and the Fairview Fire in September 2022. Both fires caused extensive destruction in Los Angeles and Riverside counties, burning tens of thousands of acres of National Forest System lands, killing 21 people, and destroying thousands of buildings. The Eaton Fire, which burned over 14,000 acres, is one of California's most destructive wildfires, while the Fairview Fire was caused by a sagging SCE power line that ignited under strong winds. The DOJ accuses SCE of knowing the wildfire risks during high winds but failing to upgrade its equipment to prevent such disasters. These lawsuits seek to recover costs related to fire suppression, rehabilitation of federal lands, and damages under allegations of negligence, trespass by fire, and violations of California public safety laws. Southern California Edison has not yet commented on the legal actions.