A lawsuit filed by the U.S. government this week is seeking damages from Southern California Edison for the cost of fighting the 2019 Saddleridge fire and for the blaze’s harm to natural resources.
The fire, which began near Sylmar and burned around 800 acres of land in the Angeles National Forest, started after a part of an SCE transmission tower failed and led to a power line falling onto the tower, which caused an electrical fault, according to the complaint, filed in U.S. federal court on Tuesday, Oct 7.
In all, the fire burned nearly 9,000 acres and killed one, Cal Fire data shows. It damaged around 90 structures and destroyed another 20.
The complaint alleges SCE knew about the dangers of high wind and failed to properly maintain its equipment. It states it was SCE’s responsibility “to properly inspect and maintain the areas through which its power and transmission lines passed to ensure they were safe and clear from dangerous conditions,” which the utility company allegedly neglected to do.
The federal government is seeking damages for the “substantial cost” of fighting the fire and restoring the National Forest lands affected by the blaze.
“Out hearts are with the people and communities that were affected,” said Gabriela Ornelas, a SCE spokesperson. “We are reviewing the lawsuit that has been filed and will respond through the legal process.”
SCE has also been accused of negligence in separate lawsuits by the U.S. government in January’s Eaton fire and in the 2022 Fairview fire.
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