Southern California Edison Reaches $82.5 Million Settlement Over Bobcat Fire

Published 8 hours agoEIX

Southern California Edison Reaches $82.5 Million Settlement Over Bobcat Fire

Southern California Edison (SCE) has reached a record $82.5 million settlement with the U.S. Forest Service regarding claims connected to the 2020 Bobcat Fire. This wildfire, which scorched nearly 180 square miles in Los Angeles County, prompted the settlement to address the damages and costs involved. Reuters reported that this agreement represents the largest wildfire-related financial resolution in the Central District of California.

The U.S. government contended that the Bobcat Fire was sparked when a poorly maintained tree made contact with SCE's power lines, causing a branch to fall and ignite flames. The settlement is significant not only for its financial implications but also as a move toward resolving accountability after such catastrophic events.

SCE agreed to the substantial settlement without conceding any wrongdoing. The company stressed its ongoing efforts to strengthen wildfire mitigation measures. From the government's viewpoint, as reflected in comments by U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, this settlement is important for compensating taxpayers for the immense firefighting expenses and environmental damages inflicted on public lands.

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