U.S. Files Lawsuit Seeking Damages from Southern California Edison and Tree Service for 2020 Bobcat Fire in Angeles National Forest

LOS ANGELES – The United States today filed a complaint alleging that the Bobcat Fire – one of the largest wildfires ever in Los Angeles County – was caused by the failure of Southern California Edison and its tree maintenance contractor to properly maintain trees that came into contact with power lines and caused the 2020 blaze.

The lawsuit filed in United States District Court alleges that the SCE and Utility Tree Service (UTS) were negligent and therefore are liable for damages sustained by the United States during the fire that burned more than 114,000 acres, nearly 100,000 of which were in the Angeles National Forest.

The United States Forest Service sustained fire suppression costs in excess of $56 million, and it incurred property and natural resource damages of over $65 million, according to the complaint.

“Forest Service investigators determined that the Bobcat Fire ignited due to a tree in contact with power lines (conductors) owned and operated by SCE and maintained by SCE and UTS,” the lawsuit states. “The contact resulted in ignition of vegetation on a branch, which fell to the ground and spread.”

The wildfire started on September 6, 2020, and ultimately destroyed 171 structures and 178 vehicles, damaged 47 structures, and resulted in the widespread evacuation of residences. Nearly three years later, more than 100 miles of trails and numerous campgrounds remain closed to the public.

Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Quist and Joseph W. Tursi of the Civil Division’s Complex and Defensive Litigation Section are handling this matter.