Statement from Plaintiffs' Liaison Counsel for Individual Plaintiffs in the Eaton Fire Litigation

Official Investigation Concludes Southern California Edison Transmission Equipment Caused Eaton Fire

Joint CAL FIRE–Los Angeles County Fire Department investigation finds electrical arcing from SCE transmission equipment ignited dry vegetation and started the deadly wildfire.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A joint investigation by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the Los Angeles County Fire Department has concluded that Southern California Edison (SCE) transmission equipment caused the Eaton Fire, according to a newly released supplemental investigation report.

The report concludes that electrical arcing occurred at the southwest conductor paddle of an out-of-service Southern California Edison transmission tower on the Mesa-Sylmar transmission circuit. Investigators determined the arcing ejected hot metal particles into the dry vegetation below, igniting what became one of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles County history. The investigation also found that video evidence captured two electrical arcing events in quick succession, followed by burning material falling from the tower into receptive vegetation, which ignited approximately 12 seconds later.

The January 7, 2025 wildfire claimed 19 lives, destroyed more than 9,400 structures, damaged more than 1,000 others, and burned approximately 14,000 acres. The findings follow more than a year of engineering analysis, laboratory testing, forensic examinations, and review of Southern California Edison equipment, utility records, witness videos, photographs, and other evidence collected by CAL FIRE and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

The supplemental report sets forth the investigating agencies' official finding regarding the fire's origin and cause and provides critical evidence in the litigation brought on behalf of thousands of homeowners, renters, businesses, public entities, and families affected by the Eaton Fire. Plaintiffs allege Southern California Edison failed to safely inspect, maintain, and operate its electrical infrastructure, causing the catastrophic wildfire.

Rahul Ravipudi of Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, Amanda L. Riddle of Corey, Luzaich, de Ghetaldi & Riddle LLP, and Gerald Singleton of Singleton Schreiber serve as Plaintiffs' Liaison Counsel for Individual Plaintiffs in the Eaton Fire litigation. They issued the following statement:

"For the individuals, families, and communities whose lives were forever changed by the Eaton Fire, this report is an important step toward accountability. We have maintained from the very beginning that Southern California Edison caused the Eaton Fire, and the report leaves Edison with no place to hide. Throughout this litigation, we have continued to accumulate overwhelming evidence that Southern California Edison failed to properly maintain its electrical infrastructure while prioritizing profits over public safety. Even after this tragedy, Edison rewarded its CEO with a $16.6 million compensation package—a 20 percent raise—that speaks volumes about the company's priorities. It's time for Edison to stop fighting the victims it harmed and provide every Eaton Fire survivor with the full compensation they deserve."

The Eaton Fire litigation remains pending before the Los Angeles County Superior Court, where thousands of plaintiffs seek to hold Southern California Edison accountable for the deaths, injuries, destruction of homes and businesses, and other losses resulting from the fire. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Laura A. Seigle has scheduled the first Eaton Fire bellwether trial to begin on January 25, 2027.

ABOUT PANISH | SHEA | RAVIPUDI LLP

Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP is a nationally recognized plaintiffs' trial law firm representing individuals and families in wrongful death, catastrophic injury, wildfire, sexual abuse and assault, product liability, mass tort, and complex business litigation matters. With offices in California, Nevada, Arizona, and Washington, the firm's attorneys have recovered billions of dollars for those whose lives have been forever changed by negligence and wrongdoing. Guided by a client-first approach and a commitment to excellence, the firm pursues litigation that not only secures justice for its clients but also drives meaningful legal, corporate, and institutional change. Learn more at www.panish.law.

ABOUT COREY, LUZAICH, DE GHETALDI & RIDDLE LLP

Corey, Luzaich, de Ghetaldi & Riddle LLP represents individuals and businesses in complex litigation throughout California. The firm investigates utility-caused wildfires, pursues compensation for catastrophic losses, and holds responsible parties accountable through strategic advocacy and trial experience. Managing Partner Amanda L. Riddle is regularly named liaison counsel for victims and survivors in mass torts actions. Learn more at www.coreylaw.com

ABOUT SINGLETON SCHREIBER

Singleton Schreiber is a client-centered law firm specializing in mass torts/multi-district litigation, personal injury/wrongful death, sexual assault, insurance law, civil rights, and environmental law. We pride ourselves on protecting the interests of people against corporate wrongdoing. We have the resources to handle your case the right way, every time. Learn more at www.singletonschreiber.com