Authorities are investigating whether Southern California Edison’s (SCE) electrical equipment sparked the Eaton Fire, which has devastated Altadena and surrounding areas. The wildfire has burned over 14,000 acres, destroyed an estimated 7,000 structures, and claimed five lives.

Background:
It has been reported that the fire allegedly began under an SCE electrical transmission tower in Eaton Canyon during high winds. Residents reportedly captured photos and videos of flames starting at the tower’s base before spreading rapidly. Witness accounts describe a small fire at the tower that exploded as winds pushed embers into suburban areas.

Investigation Developments:
Cal Fire investigators are focusing on the transmission tower as a potential ignition point. Although SCE reports no anomalies or interruptions in the tower’s electrical circuits prior to the fire, residents’ evidence may suggest otherwise. SCE denies its equipment caused the blaze and states that nearby distribution lines had been de-energized before the fire started. The utility company has been asked to preserve evidence for further examination.

Legal and Financial Implications:
If SCE is found liable, the costs could exceed billions. California’s $21 billion Wildfire Fund, designed to protect utilities and pay for damages, could cover a significant portion. However, experts warn this fire could consume a substantial share of the fund, potentially affecting SCE’s credit rating and market perceptions.

Next Steps:

  • Continued investigation by Cal Fire and potential litigation against SCE.
  • Preservation of evidence, including photos, videos, and equipment.
  • Updates on findings regarding the fire’s cause and financial implications for the Wildfire Fund.

 

Experience Matters

Sauder Schelkopf is a nationally recognized class action and personal injury law firm. The firm’s partners currently serve as court-appointed lead counsel in courts across the country and have represented clients in the Holiday Farm Fire in Oregon. 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 significantly impacted 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

The attorneys at Sauder Schelkopf have recovered over $500 million on behalf of their clients and class members. Sauder Schelkopf and co-counsel reached a $10.3 million settlement on behalf of businesses impacted by a massive power outage and evacuation caused by a bridge builder on the Outer Banks. Joe Sauder also has a history of environmental litigation where he assisted with the trial of the Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant in Colorado, which ultimately resulted in a $375 million settlement.

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