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ALTADENA, Calif. (AP) — Southern California Edison is taking legal action, targeting Los Angeles County, nearby water agencies, and the Southern California Gas Company. The utility alleges that these parties contributed to the increased severity of the Eaton Fire last year.
This past Friday, Southern California Edison submitted cross-complaints to Los Angeles Superior Court, naming Los Angeles County, Pasadena Water and Power, and five additional water agencies, according to reports from KABC-TV. Furthermore, Edison has lodged a separate lawsuit against SoCalGas.
The devastating fire, which erupted on January 7, 2025, resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals and annihilated over 9,400 homes and buildings. It required nearly a month for firefighters to bring the 22-square-mile (57 square kilometers) blaze under control.
While the exact cause of the fire is still under scrutiny, indications point to a decommissioned power line belonging to the utility as a potential igniter.
According to the lawsuits, Southern California Edison argues that Los Angeles County agencies were negligent in issuing evacuation alerts to residents of east and west Altadena. Tragically, 18 of the 19 fatalities occurred in west Altadena.
Los Angeles County declined to comment about the latest court filings.
The utility also claims water agencies, including Pasadena Water and Power, did not provide enough water as the fire spread, leaving firefighters with limited resources.
In a separate court filing, SoCal Edison blames SoCalGas, claiming the gas utility did not begin widespread shutoffs until four days after the fire started. SoCal Edison says gas leaks and gas-fed fires helped fuel the blaze.
SoCalGas said it is reviewing the complaint and will respond through the judicial process. Meanwhile, Pasadena officials rejected SoCal Edison’s claims, saying the city believes the utility’s equipment caused the fire.
SoCal Edison is facing 998 lawsuits from fire victims, insurers and government entities. The U.S. Department of Justice has also sued the company over damage to National Forest land.
