The United States government has filed two lawsuits against Southern California Edison Co. (SCE), seeking tens of millions of dollars in damages. The lawsuits allege that SCE’s negligence led to the Eaton and Fairview fires, which together burned large areas of National Forest System lands, resulted in 21 deaths, and destroyed thousands of buildings.
“The lawsuits filed today allege a troubling pattern of negligence resulting in death, destruction, and tens of millions of federal taxpayer dollars spent to clean up one utility company’s mistakes,” said Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “We hope that today’s filings are the first step in causing the beginnings of a culture change at Southern California Edison, one that will make it a responsible, conscientious company that helps – not harms – our community. Hardworking Californians should not pick up the tab for Edison’s negligence.”
The Eaton Fire began on January 7, 2025, on or near lands within the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County. According to federal authorities, the fire started due to faulty power infrastructure owned by SCE. Nearly 8,000 acres were burned in the national forest area, damaging roads, trails, campgrounds, and other facilities. Recreational trails popular with visitors were closed as a result. The fire also impacted water quality beyond the immediate burn area.
Eighteen people died and more than 10,000 structures were lost in the Eaton Fire. SCE acknowledged operating transmission towers in the area where the fire started and reported detecting a fault on one of its lines around that time. In its July 31 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, SCE stated it was “not aware of evidence pointing to another possible source of ignition.” Federal officials claim SCE failed to properly maintain its equipment.
The U.S. Forest Service incurred significant costs fighting the Eaton Fire and rehabilitating affected areas; federal authorities are seeking over $40 million in damages related to suppression efforts and environmental harm.
The Fairview Fire ignited on September 5, 2022, when a sagging power line operated by SoCal Edison came into contact with a Frontier communications cable near Hemet. This caused sparks that set nearby vegetation alight. The fire spread across nearly 14,000 acres within San Bernardino National Forest and damaged roads as well as critical infrastructure such as the Red Mountain Lookout used for fire detection.
Wildlife habitats—including those home to federally protected species—were harmed by the blaze. The Fairview Fire also destroyed 44 structures and led to two deaths along with injuries to three individuals (including two firefighters). Authorities allege SCE did not maintain adequate clearance between its power lines and adjacent cables or ensure proper maintenance overall.
For costs associated with fighting this fire and repairing damage—including about $20 million for suppression—the United States seeks roughly $37 million from SCE.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul Bart Green is handling litigation related to the Eaton Fire while Assistant United States Attorney Margaret M. Chen is managing proceedings regarding the Fairview Fire.
