LOS ANGELES — Southern California Edison has reached an agreement with the federal government to pay $82.5 million in response to a massive wildfire in 2020 that devastated the region northeast of Los Angeles, extending into the Mojave Desert. This development was shared by officials on Friday.
On Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department announced this payment commitment from Southern California Edison. According to U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, the settlement aims to provide significant reimbursement to taxpayers for the immense costs incurred in firefighting efforts and the substantial destruction caused to public lands.
Following the effective date of May 14, Edison has 60 days to make the settlement, as per the agreement with prosecutors, while not admitting to any wrongdoing or negligence. Edison spokesperson Diane Castro expressed, “Our thoughts remain with those impacted by the Bobcat Fire. We are satisfied with the resolution of this matter and remain focused on enhancing our wildfire prevention strategies.”
The settlement resulted from a lawsuit filed by federal prosecutors representing the U.S. Forest Service against both Edison and Utility Tree Service. The lawsuit aimed to recover costs tied to fighting the Bobcat Fire along with damages to the Angeles National Forest it provoked.
The federal government claimed that the fire was triggered when inadequately maintained trees came into contact with power lines managed by the utility and its maintenance contractor. The destruction led to prolonged closure of campgrounds and over 100 miles (161 kilometers) of trails, severely affecting habitats of endangered wildlife like the mountain yellow-legged frog and other threatened species, according to government reports.
Deputy Forest Supervisor Tony Martinez of the Angeles National Forest mentioned, “These funds will aid in rehabilitating the burned regions, restoring wildlife habitats, and increasing our forest’s resilience against future wildfires.” The fire ultimately consumed approximately 178 square miles (461 square kilometers).
In the previous year, Southern California Edison agreed to an $80 million settlement under similar circumstances related to a considerable wildfire in 2017 that led to the destruction of over a thousand homes and structures.
While investigations continue into the Eaton Fire, which earlier this year destroyed at least 7,000 homes and structures, lawsuits against Southern California Edison suggest that its equipment may have ignited the blaze, annihilating entire neighborhoods.