
Pasadena Unified School District Sues Southern California Edison Over Devastating Eaton Fire
The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) has taken legal action against Southern California Edison (SCE), filing a lawsuit over the devastating Eaton Canyon fire that occurred in 2022. The lawsuit, lodged in Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses SCE of negligence and seeks compensation for damages incurred by the fire, which affected several school properties within the district.
According to the lawsuit, the Eaton Canyon fire, which started on October 12, 2022, was allegedly caused by SCE's equipment. The fire ravaged through the region, leading to significant destruction and disruption. PUSD claims that the fire resulted in the temporary closure of several schools and caused extensive damage to school facilities, necessitating costly repairs and leading to educational disruptions for students.
The district is seeking damages to cover the costs of repairs and to compensate for the educational impact on students. PUSD's legal action is part of a broader wave of lawsuits against utility companies following wildfires in California, with many alleging that poor maintenance and safety practices contributed to the outbreaks.
Southern California Edison has yet to respond publicly to the lawsuit but has historically faced similar legal challenges following other wildfires. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for how utility companies are held accountable for wildfires and the standards they must adhere to in maintaining their infrastructure.