In a significant development related to the devastating Bobcat Fire of 2020, Southern California Edison has agreed to pay $82.5 million to cover the costs and damages incurred by the wildfire that ravaged more than 100,000 acres, primarily in the Angeles National Forest.
Federal authorities announced the settlement, noting it as the largest wildfire cost recovery deal in the Central District of California’s history.
United States Attorney Bill Essayli emphasized the importance of this settlement, stating, “This record settlement against Southern California Edison provides meaningful compensation to taxpayers for the extensive costs of fighting the Bobcat Fire and for the widespread damage to public lands.”
He further indicated that the office would continue to pursue accountability for suppression costs and environmental damages from entities responsible for harming the nation’s forests and resources.
The Bobcat Fire began on September 6, 2020, when a contractor performing tree maintenance came into contact with powerlines owned by Southern California Edison.
Federal prosecutors highlighted that the utility company had failed to properly maintain the trees in proximity to their powerlines before the incident occurred.
As the fire spread through the Angeles National Forest, it consumed almost 100,000 acres, along with several thousand more acres of land.
This catastrophic event necessitated the closure of over 100 miles of trails and campgrounds, a measure that remains in place for years following the blaze.
The destruction was significant, with 170 structures lost, including numerous homes, as the fire expanded from north of Monrovia to Juniper Hills.
This fire had far-reaching implications for local wildlife, especially alarming was its detrimental impact on the federally endangered yellow-legged frog, as noted by federal authorities.
To recoup the costs related to fire suppression and damage, the United States filed a lawsuit against Southern California Edison in 2023 on behalf of the Forest Service.
In response, SCE agreed to settle the case, committing to pay the $82.5 million within 60 days of May 14, according to the statements released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
While SCE previously indicated that their equipment might have ignited the fire, the settlement doesn’t imply any admission of fault.
Deputy Forest Supervisor Tony Martinez from the Angeles National Forest expressed gratitude for the settlement, saying, “We are grateful to receive these settlement funds, which mark an important step toward recovery and restoration.”
He further added that these funds will aid in rehabilitating burned areas, restoring wildlife habitats, and enhancing the forests’ resilience to future wildfires.
This incident is not the first time that Southern California Edison has faced scrutiny for its equipment’s role in igniting major wildfires.
SCE has acknowledged potential responsibility for the destructive Woolsey Fire in 2018, which was attributed to the company’s equipment by officials from the Ventura County Fire Department.
Moreover, earlier this year, Los Angeles County filed a lawsuit against SCE, asserting that their equipment was responsible for the Eaton Fire in Altadena, which is currently under investigation.
David Eisenhower from SCE commented that the company is fully cooperating with fire investigators to determine the cause of the Eaton Fire.
image source from：https://patch.com/california/los-angeles/socal-edison-pay-record-82-5m-bobcat-fire-settlement
