Los Angeles County filed a lawsuit on March 5 against Southern California Edison (SCE) and its parent company, Edison International, alleging the utility’s equipment caused the deadly Eaton Fire that cost the county hundreds of millions of dollars in response efforts and cleanup.
The fire began on Jan. 7 and became the second-most destructive and fifth-deadliest wildfire in California history, according to the lawsuit.
It burned more than 14,000 acres, claimed approximately 9,400 structures, and damaged hundreds more. It ravaged the unincorporated town of Altadena, and destroyed county parks, a nature center, trails, and other community infrastructure, according to Los Angeles County.
At least 17 people lost their lives, while several firefighters were injured. The fire also damaged childcare facilities, a senior center, assisted living facilities, schools, churches, a Jewish temple, and a mosque. Tens of thousands of residents were displaced….