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Southern California Edison (SCE) is contemplating legal action against nine public agencies, potentially sharing liability for the Eaton fire that devastated Altadena. The fire, which occurred in January, destroyed over 9,000 structures and resulted in 19 fatalities. While SCE and state investigations into the fire's cause are ongoing, the utility has notified these agencies of possible cross-complaints in court.
SCE is currently facing lawsuits from dozens of victims who allege that the fire was triggered by the utility's electrical equipment. According to the Daily News, SCE spokesman David Eisenhauer stated that the company aims to preserve its legal options by considering lawsuits against other government agencies that might share responsibility.
One potential target is Los Angeles County, criticized for delayed evacuation alerts in West Altadena, where 17 deaths occurred. The county, along with Pasadena and Sierra Madre, has already sued SCE to recover damages for infrastructure and cleanup costs.
SCE has proposed a wildfire recovery compensation program for victims, set to launch this fall. Participants would forfeit legal action against the company. However, some lawyers for the victims view the program as a tactic to divert plaintiffs from litigation with promises of quick compensation, albeit at reduced rates.
The utility's internal investigation is exploring the possibility that a long-dormant tower was reenergized, igniting nearby brush. The Los Angeles Times reports that evidence suggests SCE's equipment may have played a role, though the company has not found typical signs of equipment failure.
If found liable, SCE could seek assistance from the $21 billion California Wildfire Fund, designed to protect utilities from bankruptcy. However, fund administrators are concerned that damages from the Eaton fire could deplete the fund.
The ongoing investigations by Los Angeles County Fire and Cal Fire into the fire's cause are expected to take months to conclude.