A Southern California county has filed lawsuits alleging a major power company's negligence caused two wildfires that collectively burned thousands of acres and prompted the evacuation of tens of thousands of people. Orange County, which is home to more than 3 million people between Los Angeles and San Diego, filed a pair of lawsuits against Southern California Edison in which it alleges the company's equipment played a role in wildfires in 2020 and 2022.
Gabriela Ornelas, a spokesperson for Southern California Edison, declined to comment on the lawsuits. She said the company cooperated with Orange County fire officials in their investigations. Last year, the utility told state regulators unspecified electrical 'circuit activity' happened at about the time that the Coastal Fire wildfire erupted. The company also previously reported the possible contact with the 'lashing wire' in the Silverado Fire.
In Northern California, Pacific Gas & Electric will face a trial for manslaughter over its role in the Zogg Fire in 2020, which killed four people. The company, which is the nation’s largest utility, pleaded not guilty.