LA County Sues Southern California Edison Over Deadly Eaton Fire

Los Angeles County has filed a lawsuit against Southern California Edison, accusing the utility company of causing the Eaton Fire, which devastated the Altadena community earlier this year. The fire resulted in 17 deaths, destroyed thousands of homes, and caused extensive damage to county-owned infrastructure, including parks and public buildings.

Scott Kuhn, an attorney representing the county, emphasized the importance of the lawsuit in the community’s recovery efforts.
"We see the lawsuit as an essential part of the recovery and rebuilding of the Altadena community," Kuhn stated.

While no official cause of the fire has been determined, the county is relying on photos and videos that allegedly show flames igniting around Edison transmission lines. A Ring doorbell camera captured footage of what appears to be the first moments of the fire, with flames visible near a transmission tower.

Southern California Edison responded to the lawsuit with a statement:
"Our hearts are with the communities affected by the wildfires in Southern California. We are reviewing the lawsuits that were recently filed and will address them through the appropriate legal process."

Meanwhile, fire victims like Sasha Darling, who lost her home in the blaze, have already filed their own lawsuits against Edison. She expressed concern that LA County’s legal action might take priority over direct compensation for displaced residents.
"I feel like the people that lost their homes should be the first priority," Darling said.

The lawsuit marks the latest legal battle over California’s ongoing wildfire crisis, where utility companies have frequently been held liable for destructive blazes.

For updates on this developing story, visit NBCPalmSprings.com.

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