Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Sierra Madre Sues Edison Over Eaton Fire Damage

City of Sierra Madre via Facebook

The city of Sierra Madre filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Southern California Edison seeking damages for destruction to public lands, trails and infrastructure caused by January’s devastating Eaton Fire.

The legal action follows the reported Feb. 6 disclosure by Edison to state regulators allegedly admitting a “fault was detected” on its Eagle Rock-Gould transmission circuit coinciding with the fire’s ignition time and location.

“The January fire devastated irreplaceable wilderness areas that are central to Sierra Madre’s identity and character,” Sierra Madre Mayor Robert Parkhurst said. “Our historic wilderness areas and the Mount Wilson Trail – treasured community resources that draw visitors from across Southern California – now require extensive rehabilitation that will burden our city for years to come.”

The lawsuit contends Edison failed to adequately de-energize equipment in high-risk areas despite National Weather Service warnings about extreme fire danger and forecasted winds reaching 100 mph in the foothills.

“What makes this disaster particularly troubling is its preventability,” Parkhurst added. “The documented weather warnings provided Edison with ample notice of the dangerous conditions developing in our community.”

Video and photographic evidence appear to show flames erupting near Edison transmission towers in Eaton Canyon moments after electrical anomalies were recorded.

The city’s lawsuit details damage including severe ecological harm to the Sierra Madre Historical Wilderness Area, destruction of significant portions of the historic Mount Wilson Trail network, heightened vulnerability to post-fire mudslides requiring immediate mitigation, and damage to municipal infrastructure including roads and water systems.

The legal action includes eight causes of action ranging from inverse condemnation to violations of Public Utilities and Health & Safety codes. The city seeks compensation for direct damages, fire suppression costs, ongoing expenses for restoration of natural resources, and funds to address heightened flood and debris flow risks.

The Eaton Fire consumed more than 14,000 acres, destroyed approximately 9,400 structures, and claimed at least 17 lives.

Los Angeles County and the City of Pasadena also filed lawsuits against Edison on Wednesday.

Sierra Madre is represented by City Attorney Aleks Giragosian of Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, P.C., with additional representation from outside counsel including John Fiske, Torri Sherlin, and Taylor O’Neal of Baron & Budd P.C., and Ed Diab, Rob Chambers, and Kristen Barton of Diab Chambers LLP — the same legal team supporting Los Angeles County and Pasadena in related litigation.