Sauder Schelkopf LLC is investigating claims on behalf of homeowners, renters, business owners, and others who suffered losses as a result of the January 2025 Eaton Fire in Altadena, California.
Fire Officials Determine Cause of Eaton Fire
On August 5, 2026, the Los Angeles County Fire Department and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) announced the results of their investigation into the devastating Eaton Fire. According to the agencies, the fire was caused by electrical arcing involving an out-of-service Southern California Edison (SCE) transmission tower.
Read the Report here
The Eaton Fire began on January 7, 2025, and devastated Altadena and surrounding communities. The fire killed 19 people and destroyed more than 9,400 homes and businesses. More than 1,000 additional homes were reportedly damaged.
Investigation Links Fire to SCE Transmission Tower
According to the LACFD and Cal Fire investigation, the fire originated near a hillside transmission tower above Eaton Canyon Wash. Investigators concluded that sparks from electrical lines ignited dry vegetation beneath the tower. Strong winds then rapidly spread the fire into residential areas of Altadena, destroying entire blocks and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate.
The investigation also cited California law requiring SCE to maintain and operate its electrical lines and equipment in a manner designed to minimize the risk of catastrophic wildfire.
Southern California Edison has acknowledged that its equipment was likely associated with the fire’s ignition. An SCE spokesperson stated that the company was reviewing the agencies’ report and reiterated that SCE believes its equipment was likely connected to the ignition.
Billions of Dollars in Losses
The destruction caused by the Eaton Fire is enormous. An estimate cited by ABC News placed the damage from the Eaton Fire alone at approximately $8 billion to $10 billion.
Individuals and businesses affected by the fire may have suffered losses involving:
- Destruction or damage to homes and other real property
- Loss of personal belongings
- Business interruption and lost income
- Evacuation and temporary housing expenses
- Smoke and fire damage
- Personal injuries
- Wrongful death
- Other economic and non-economic losses
Sauder Schelkopf Is Investigating Eaton Fire Claims
Sauder Schelkopf LLC is investigating potential claims arising from the Eaton Fire and the alleged role of Southern California Edison and its electrical equipment in causing the fire.
If you owned or rented property in the affected area, lost a home or business, suffered property damage, incurred evacuation or relocation expenses, or otherwise sustained losses because of the Eaton Fire, you may have legal rights.
Sauder Schelkopf attorneys have extensive experience representing consumers and individuals in complex litigation against major corporations.
If you or a family member suffered losses in the Eaton Fire, contact Sauder Schelkopf LLC for a free and confidential consultation regarding your potential claim.
About Sauder Schelkopf
Sauder Schelkopf has a nationally recognized litigation practice. The firm currently serves as court-appointed lead counsel in courts across the country. The attorneys at Sauder Schelkopf have recovered over $1 billion on behalf of their clients and class members. Our firm was recognized by the Legal Intelligencer’s 2022 Professional Excellence Awards. The Legal Intelligencer’s Professional Excellence Awards honor Pennsylvania law firms and attorneys who have made a significant, positive impact on the legal profession. Our firm was named in the Litigation Departments of the Year (Specialty Area category; runner-up), an award that honors the best litigation practice in a small or mid-sized firm in Pennsylvania. This recognition was based on the firm’s 2021 litigation work and its important ongoing cases. LawDragon has recognized our attorneys in its list of the “500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers” for 2022. This list notes: “From the opioid epidemic to toxic substances and defective products, truck accidents to wildfires and sexual abuse, these are the lawyers who stand on the front line in individual lawsuits and class actions seeking justice.” Mr. Schelkopf was named to Pennsylvania’s Best Lawyers® 2022 for Class Actions/Mass Tort Litigation. The American Lawyer named Mr. Sauder to its 2021 Northeast Trailblazers. The honor recognizes 60 lawyers who are “truly agents of change.” It “recognizes professionals in the Northeast who have moved the needle in the legal industry.” The Legal Intelligencer named Mr. Sauder and Mr. Schelkopf in its 2020 Pennsylvania Trailblazers list recognizing 31 lawyers who “have taken extra measures to contribute to positive outcomes . . . and who are truly agents of change.” The Legal highlighted the firm’s innovative work on advocacy as class counsel in large institutional sex abuse cover-ups, women’s, and children’s rights. Our attorneys have also consistently been recognized by their peers being named to Pennsylvania SuperLawyer, a distinction held by the top 5% of attorneys in Pennsylvania. The National Trial Lawyers Association has also selected our attorneys as the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania.
We Want to Hear from You
If you or a family member suffered losses in the Eaton Fire, contact Sauder Schelkopf LLC for a free and confidential consultation regarding your potential claim.