Southern California Edison (SCE) will pay $82.5 million to settle claims tied to the massive 2020 Bobcat Fire, which scorched nearly 180 square miles of protected wilderness and caused widespread environmental damage.
The payout, announced by the U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday, marks the largest-ever wildfire cost recovery in California’s Central District.
The agreement provides critical funds to restore damaged areas in the Angeles National Forest and rebuild habitats for endangered species like the mountain yellow-legged frog. It also reimburses taxpayers for firefighting efforts that lasted weeks across treacherous terrain northeast of Los Angeles.
“This record settlement provides meaningful compensation to taxpayers and will help us restore public lands devastated by the fire,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli.
The blaze, which ignited on September 6, 2020, was allegedly caused by a tree that had not been properly maintained. According to the government’s 2023 lawsuit, the tree contacted SCE’s power lines, igniting vegetation that led to the wildfire. Investigators claim negligence by both the utility and its contractor, Utility Tree Service, triggered the blaze.
The fire destroyed trails, campgrounds, and habitats and forced the closure of over 100 miles of recreational space. Federal prosecutors say the fire left a deep ecological scar and disrupted public use of one of California’s most beloved forests.
“These resources will help us rehabilitate burned areas, restore wildlife habitats, and strengthen our forests’ resilience to future wildfires,” said Tony Martinez, Deputy Forest Supervisor of the Angeles National Forest.
SCE, a subsidiary of Edison International, will make the payment within 60 days of the May 14 agreement. While the utility admits no wrongdoing, it has pledged to boost its wildfire prevention efforts.
“Our hearts are with those affected by the Bobcat Fire,” said SCE spokesperson Diane Castro. “We are pleased to have resolved this matter and will continue to invest in wildfire mitigation and public safety.”
The settlement follows a similar $80 million agreement SCE reached last year over a 2017 wildfire that destroyed over 1,000 homes.
Meanwhile, scrutiny of SCE continues as authorities investigate the Eaton Fire, which destroyed over 7,000 structures earlier this year. Plaintiffs allege utility equipment was again at fault.
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