Eaton Fire: Lawsuit filed against Southern California Edison

Lawsuit filed over deadly Eaton Fire

A lawsuit has been filed against Southern California Edison alleging that SCE failed to comply with essential electrical and fire safety standards, including failing to maintain power lines properly and overgrown vegetation.

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LOS ANGELES - A lawsuit has been filed against Southern California Edison (SCE) over the deadly and devastating Eaton Fire.

Trial law firms McNicholas & McNicholas, Becker Law Group and Singleton Schreiber filed the lawsuit on behalf of the victims impacted by the fire.

The Eaton Fire sparked on January 7 in the Altadena area, triggering mass evacuations. By Monday, Jan. 13, it burned 14,117 acres, and damaged and/or destroyed over 7,000 structures.

The Eaton Fire is now considered one of the deadliest fires in California history with 16 deaths reported so far.

The lawsuit alleges that Southern California Edison failed to comply with essential electrical and fire safety standards, including failing to maintain power lines and overgrown vegetation.

"This goes beyond a failure of responsibility—it is gross negligence in an area highly vulnerable to wildfires, especially with well-documented weather alerts and high wind risks. We are committed to holding Southern California Edison accountable for their alleged negligence and to seeking justice for victims who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones, said Patrick McNicholas, Partner at McNicholas & McNicholas.

Eaton fire decimates Altadena neighborhoods .

The Eaton Fire has burned 14,117 acres and was 33% contained as of Monday morning.

McNicholas said his team has met with more than 500 victims who have lost their homes in the fire.

"Our hearts remain with our communities during the devastating fires in Southern California and we remain committed to supporting them through this difficult time. SCE crews, contractors and mutual assistance partners are dedicated to safely restoring power to our customers. SCE understands that a lawsuit related to the Eaton fire has been filed but has not yet been served with the complaint. SCE will review the complaint when it is received. The cause of the fire continues to be under investigation," Jeff Monford, spokesperson for Southern California Edison said in a statement.

Meanwhile in Sylmar, fire authorities are investigating whether downed utility equipment sparked the Hurst Fire.

In a report, SCE said their preliminary investigation found a downed conductor near an electrical tower in the area at 10:11 p.m Tuesday, minutes prior to the Hurst fire being reported. However, the company issued a statement saying it was unsure whether the damage observed occurred before or after the fire.

The cause of both the Eaton and Hurst fires remain under investigation.

Wildfires Altadena Instastories