E. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
Southern California Edison (SCE) has reached an agreement to pay $82.5 million to the United States, marking the largest wildfire cost recovery settlement by the U.S. in California's Central District. This settlement resolves claims made on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service for costs and damages linked to the 2020 Bobcat Fire in Angeles National Forest.
The Bobcat Fire began in September 2020, burning over 114,000 acres, with nearly 100,000 acres affected within Angeles National Forest. "This record settlement against Southern California Edison provides meaningful compensation to taxpayers for the extensive costs of fighting the Bobcat Fire and for the widespread damage to public lands," stated United States Attorney Bill Essayli.
In September 2023, a lawsuit was filed by the United States on behalf of the Forest Service against SCE and Utility Tree Service. The suit aimed to recover firefighting costs and address damages caused by the fire in Angeles National Forest. The U.S. alleged that improper maintenance by SCE and its contractor led trees to contact power lines, sparking the blaze.
SCE agreed to pay without admitting fault or wrongdoing within 60 days from May 14, when the settlement became effective. "These settlements are essential in restoring our landscapes after wildfires," commented Acting U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Regional Forester Jason Kuiken.
Deputy Forest Supervisor Tony Martinez expressed gratitude for receiving these funds as they will aid in rehabilitating burned areas and restoring wildlife habitats: "These resources will help us rehabilitate burned areas, restore wildlife habitats, and strengthen our forests’ resilience to future wildfires."
The investigation was conducted by the United States Forest Service, while Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Quist and Joseph Tursi negotiated this settlement.
