Monday, July 28, 2025

State Senator Calls for Fair Compensation as Edison Creates Wildfire Victim Fund

Sasha Renée Pérez [File photo]

Edison’s compensation program will launch this fall for those affected by deadly January blaze

A California state senator is urging Eaton Fire victims to seek legal advice before participating in Southern California Edison’s new compensation program.

Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, who represents Pasadena and the 25th Senate District, issued a statement Thursday responding to Edison’s announcement of a Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program. The program will launch this fall for people affected by the January fire.

“Whether through the courts or a direct claims process, Eaton Fire victims deserve full and fair compensation,” Pérez said. The Democratic senator represents other communities hit by the blaze.

Edison announced the program Tuesday, saying it would be administered by Kenneth R. Feinberg and Camille S. Biros. The pair previously worked on the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.

The Eaton Fire began January 7 in Eaton Canyon near Altadena. It killed 19 people and destroyed 9,418 structures before being contained on Jan. 31. The fire burned 14,021 acres, making it California’s second most destructive wildfire.

Los Angeles County filed a lawsuit against Edison in March, alleging the utility’s equipment caused the fire. Edison’s program explicitly states it is “not an admission of legal liability.”

The compensation program will cover structure loss, commercial property damage and business interruption. It also includes smoke and ash damage, physical injuries and fatalities.

Participation is voluntary with no application fees or administrative costs charged by Edison, according to the utility.

Pérez emphasized the importance of victims making informed decisions about the program.

“I encourage all Eaton Fire victims to educate themselves about the details of this program including seeking professional legal advice,” she said.

Edison CEO Pedro J. Pizarro said the program would provide an expedited process to pay and “resolve claims fairly and promptly.” He said this would allow communities to focus on recovery rather than litigation.

However, some attorneys expressed skepticism about similar utility compensation programs.

“Experience suggests that these direct payments for victims are neither quick, nor easy, nor equitable,” said Doug Boxer, an attorney for LA Fire Justice.

Fire victims also questioned whether money could adequately address their losses.

“All our memories are there, places we raised our children,” said EJ Soto, whose rental home was destroyed. “Money won’t bring that back.”

Derek Russell Jr., who lost everything in the fire, wondered about compensation for emotional trauma. “Are they taking into consideration the trauma, the emotional stress, everything that came along with the fire?” he asked.

California has a $21 billion wildfire fund that could be depleted by Eaton Fire claims if Edison is found liable, according to industry reports.

Los Angeles County previously won more than $64 million from Edison in a settlement over the 2018 Woolsey Fire.

Pérez concluded her statement by emphasizing the stakes for victims.

“Full and fair compensation is critical to the recovery and rebuilding process,” she said. “Anything less would not be justice.”