SoCal Edison facing lawsuits over deadly Eaton Fire

Evelyn McClendon was killed in the Eaton Fire, unable to escape the fast-moving flames. She is one of 25 people who lost their lives in the Eaton and Palisades fires.

Now, attorneys are filing lawsuits against Southern California Edison, blaming the utility company for failing to prevent the devastating wildfires. 

"Your houses could have been saved, your sister could have been saved if, when they got the warning on January 3, they de-energized the power," says high-profile attorney Ben Crump. 

"Southern California Edison did nothing. They did nothing to warn their customers, they did nothing to shut off the power grid, but they continued to watch the winds increase, the devastation in the community increase, fires across the county begin, and they still did not turn off the power grid," Kimberly DeGonia, Crump's co-counsel, adds. 

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Numerous attorneys across California are making similar allegations. Ed Susolik with Callahan and Blaine represents 20 clients suing Southern California Edison. 

"The fire originated because of a Southern California Edison spark from wires; in addition, this is not the first fire that Edison has caused; they have a long history of being responsible for fires going back to 2016, the Rey Fire and most recently the Fairview Fire of 2022," he said.

Southern California Edison issued the following statement: 

"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 understands that lawsuits related to the Eaton Fire have been filed. SCE will review them. The cause of the fire continues to be under investigation."

Zair Calvin lost his home and his sister Evelyn. He feels Southern California Edison needs to be held accountable.

"Without that negligence, if that had never happened, my sister would still be here," he said.

WildfiresPasadenaAltadenaPacific PalisadesMalibuLos Angeles CountyCalifornia