Eaton Fire Lawsuit – January 2025 Update
People are filing lawsuits against municipalities, utility companies, and other entities that may have caused or failed to take action to contain the devastating Eaton Fire. The Eaton Fire has done billions of dollars in damage, leveling homes, businesses, and other important structures. It is believed that this and other wildfires in the Greater Los Angeles area may have been the result of negligence on behalf of Southern California Edison and others.
People throughout Pasadena and Altadena who lost their homes, businesses, cars, and other property are filing lawsuits against the companies that failed to properly protect them from the fire. Potential defendants include public and private utility companies, insurance companies, and municipalities, such as the City of Los Angeles.
Individuals who suffered unimaginable losses in the Eaton Fire may be entitled to financial recovery to help them rebuild their homes and lives. An experienced attorney can help victims navigate the legal process and secure the compensation they need to begin to move forward.
Our legal team is accepting the following Eaton fire cases:
- Personal injury
- Wrongful death
- Property damage of any kind (no matter how small)
- Displacement
- Loss of income
- Disruption to daily life
- Mental and emotional distress
If you were affected by the Eaton wildfires in LA County, contact King Law today at 585.496.2648 for a free case review. You can also submit a contact form online, and a member of our intake team will contact you as soon as possible.
Eaton Fire Lawsuit Updates – January 2025
January 27, 2025: Security Footage from Gas Station Shows Possible Cause of Eaton Fire
Security footage from an Arco gas station in Altadena shows power lines sparking just shortly before the Eaton wildfire began. The footage shows Southern California Edison (SCE)-owned electrical lines connecting during high winds and the resulting electrical arcs and sparks. This footage was taken at 6:11 p.m., less than 10 minutes before the Eaton Fire began on January 7. The gas station was located close to Eaton Canyon and three high-voltage electrical towers, where the fire likely began. The video was presented to SCE by the New York Times. SCE maintains there were no reports of equipment errors until an hour after the blaze began. However, this video disputes the accuracy of those reports.
January 22, 2025: 17 Deaths Linked to Eaton Fire
At least 17 deaths have been linked to the Eaton Fire. The deaths all occurred in Eastern Altadena, where it took hours to receive evacuation orders, as reported by NBC News. It is unclear why evacuation orders were not sent earlier to residents in the area.
January 21, 2025: Eaton Fire is 89% Contained
A media update provided by the County of Los Angeles indicates that the Eaton fire is 89% contained. It covers over 14,000 acres and has destroyed 9,418 structures and damaged over one thousand more. It may take weeks to months to understand the full scale of devastation caused by the fire.
January 15, 2025: Electrical Tower Under Investigation
A high-voltage transmission tower owned by Southern California Edison is under investigation as a potential catalyst in the Eaton Fire. NBC News reports that residents witnessed flames near the base of the electrical tower around the time the fire started. The cause of the fire, however, is still under investigation
January 8, 2025: High Winds Continue to Hinder Containment
A status update indicates that high winds continue to hinder the containment of the Eaton Fire and fuel its rapid growth. Thousands of homes are threatened, with new evacuation orders continuing to be issued. As a result of the fire, all Pasadena Unified Schools are to be closed.
January 7, 2025: Eaton Fire Reportedly Starts at 6:18 PM
According to CAL FIRE, the Eaton Fire started at 6:18 pm amidst Santa Ana wind gusts of up to 100 mph. The high winds prevented firefighters from being able to attack the flames from the air.
About the Eaton Wildfire Lawsuit:
About the Eaton Wildfires in LA County
The Eaton Fire’s Impact on the Local Community
What Were the Causes of the Eaton Fire?
About Southern California Edison and Its History in Wildfire Lawsuits
Who Can File an Eaton Fire Lawsuit
How to File an Eaton Wildfire Lawsuit
King Law Is Accepting Eaton Fire Cases for Individuals and Businesses
About the Eaton Wildfires in LA County
At approximately 6:18 p.m. on January 7, 2025, the Eaton Fire ignited in Eaton Canyon near Alta Dena and Pasadena. The fire has burned over 14,000 acres. It has damaged or destroyed over 10,000 structures, including homes, schools, businesses, and community buildings. At least 17 people have died as a result of the fire, while thousands of people have lost all of their possessions. It has become one of California’s costliest and deadliest wildfires. The official cause of the fire is still being investigated. It is known, however, that strong Santa Ana winds hindered firefighters’ ability to contain the fire and aided in its rapid growth.
Map of the Eaton Wildfires
The map below shows the spread of the Eaton wildfire throughout Los Angeles County, California.
The Eaton Fire’s Impact on the Local Community
The Eaton Fire had an unimaginable impact on the local communities of Altadena and Pasadena. In some cases, entire neighborhoods were leveled. The wildfire also destroyed historically significant buildings such as Altadena’s Zorthean Ranch and Bunny Museum. It also resulted in the required evacuation of local schools, displacing thousands of children and facilities like the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. In addition to the loss of property, the fire contaminated the water supply for each of the affected communities and has the potential for additional pollutants to be released into the air as the cleanup process begins.
Acreage Burned from the Eaton Wildfire
According to the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NOAA), the Eaton Fire has burned 14,021 acres, devastating the communities of Altadena and Pasadena. As the fire raged, widespread evacuation orders were issued for these areas, although the timing of the orders for some communities has recently come under scrutiny. Not only did the fire damage natural habitats, it also destroyed nearly 10,000 structures. Assessments continue to develop the full extent of the damage, although it is already estimated to be in the tens of billions of dollars.
Evacuation Orders in the Eaton Area
As the Eaton Fire threatened homes in Altadena and Pasadena, mandatory evacuation orders were issued for multiple communities. More 100,000 people were displaced in the evacuations. Schools were also sheltered, with some becoming engulfed in flames as the fire spread.
Evacuation orders issued in the Eaton Fire included portions of:
- La Cañada Flintridge
- Altadena
- Bradbury
- Bradbury Estates
- Pasadena
- Kinneloa Mesa
- Sierra Madre
- Monrovia
- Arcadia
A 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew was also implemented with evacuation orders to prevent looters from having unauthorized access to homes in the affected areas. The City of Pasadena, however, did not issue a curfew.
Neighborhoods and Local Areas Impacted by the Eaton Fire
The rapid spread of the Eaton Fire meant that many residents in affected areas had to evacuate with little to none of their possessions. The fire threatened thousands of homes, businesses, schools, critical infrastructure (including portions of the Interstate 405 near Bel-Air), and historical landmarks. In some cases, residents and business owners throughout these areas have returned to nothing and have been forced to seek shelter elsewhere or shutter their businesses. Individuals affected by the fires are encouraged to seek the advice of an attorney to determine their legal options.
Businesses Impacted by the Wildfires
In addition to residences, many businesses were impacted by the Eaton Fire. Some businesses were over half a century old and had become staples in the community. The devastation was widespread and continues to affect residents and business owners in the communities of Altadena and Pasadena.
Businesses destroyed or damaged by the Eaton Fire:
- Fox’s Restaurant: 69-year-old Altadena diner
- The Bunny Museum: A museum with an eclectic collection of bunny-themed memorabilia
- Altadena Hardware: Established in 1934
- Altadena Golf Course: 9-hole golf course
- Side Pie: A local pizzeria
- Zorthian Ranch: Local artists haven
Several schools and religious centers were also destroyed by the fire, leaving many people without options for shelters, protection, and community.
Injuries and Deaths
As of January 23, 2025, there have been at least 17 fatalities related to the Eaton Fire, making it one of the deadliest wildfires in the state’s history. There have also been at least 9 firefighters injured in the blaze. Dozens of people remain missing in the fires, which may increase the number of fatalities as firefighters and others continue their recovery efforts.
What Were the Causes of the Eaton Fire?
While the official cause of the Eaton Fire is still under investigation, it is alleged that equipment belonging to Southern California Edison (SCE) may have been responsible for the initial spark. Multiple lawsuits have now been filed against the utility company, alleging its negligence in maintaining the power lines or failing to turn them off as dangerous wind conditions resulted in unimaginable devastation.
In response to the accusations, a representative from SoCal Edison told KTLA 5 that the company is cooperating with investigators to determine what caused the fire. The representative also indicated that the transmitter was not de-energized because the wind had not reached the threshold necessary to prompt a shutoff.
It is known, however, that overgrown brush and Santa Ana winds undoubtedly led to its rapid spread and hindered containment efforts.
About Southern California Edison (SCE) and Its History in Wildfire Lawsuits
The Eaton Fire is not the first time Southern California Edison (SCE), a major utility company in Southern California, has faced lawsuits related to its negligence. In February 2024, SCE agreed to pay $80 million to settle claims related to the Thomas Fire. The Thomas Fire, which ignited in 2017, burned over 1,000 structures and scorched 439 square miles of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
The Thomas Fire was not the first time the utility company paid millions to settle claims related to wildfires throughout California. In December 2023, the County of Los Angeles received $80 million from SCE to settle claims related to the 2020 Bobcat Fire. SCE also paid a total of $210 million to settle claims related to the destructive Woosley Fire that killed 3 people in 2018. Most of the allegations against the utility company include that it was negligent by failing to properly maintain equipment, reduce brush or overgrowth near transmitters, mitigate wildfire risks, or de-energize facilities.
Who Can File an Eaton Fire Lawsuit?
Individuals who suffered losses due to the Eaton Fire may be entitled to take legal action against the company or companies that caused the fire. Potential claimants include property owners, business owners, and renters who suffered damages or destruction as a result of the fire. Individuals who sustained physical injuries, emotional distress, or the death of a loved one may also be able to file a claim. People who were displaced by fires may also file claims.
There may be a stronger basis for litigation if it can be determined that a company’s negligence caused the fire, such as SCE not properly maintaining its equipment. Aggrieved individuals are encouraged to seek legal counsel to determine whether they meet the eligibility requirements necessary to file a lawsuit.
How to File an Eaton Wildfire Lawsuit
There are several steps to file an Eaton wildfire lawsuit. It is essential to consult with a qualified attorney to determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria necessary to take legal action. An attorney can also help navigate the litigation process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Follow these 3 steps to file an Eaton Fire lawsuit:
- Consult with an experienced attorney: The first step in an Eaton wildfire claim is consulting with an experienced attorney. An attorney can help to assess the viability of your claim and will assist in helping you understand your legal rights.
- Gather documents related to your losses: Photographs of your property damages, records of injuries, receipts related to your evacuation, and other fire-related expenses can all help to substantiate your claim.
- File the claim: Once the necessary documentation is gathered, your attorney will file the claim with the appropriate parties. They will help to ensure that all legal requirements are met and that the statute of limitations has not expired. Under most circumstances, individuals have two to three years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury or property damage lawsuit.
In order to ensure timely filing of the claim, it is critical to speak with an attorney as early in the process as possible.
King Law Is Accepting Eaton Fire Cases for Individuals and Businesses
The legal team at King Law has extensive experience handling wildfire lawsuits and can help to ensure you receive the compensation you need after a devastating loss.
Reasons to choose King Law for representation in an Eaton Fire Lawsuit:
- Personalized service
- 24/7 access to attorneys
- No legal fees unless money is recovered on client’s behalf
- Internal intake team
- Nationwide representation
- Extensive experience in wildfire lawsuits
Contact an Eaton Wildfire Attorney Today
Individuals affected by the Eaton Fire are encouraged to reach out to King Law at (585) 496-2648 to discuss whether they are eligible to take legal action. Attorneys at King Law will work tirelessly to pursue justice for all California wildfire victims.