Homeowners Sue SoCal Edison Over Woolsey Fire

CALABASAS, CA – Lawsuits were filed on behalf of 170 homeowners and businesses whose properties were destroyed or damaged in the Woolsey Fire, attorneys announced Tuesday.The lawsuits, which were filed in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, blame Southern California Edison electrical equipment for sparking the blaze and allege the 97,000-acre fire was ignited Nov. 8 by Edison's overhead electrical equipment near the Rocketdyne facility in Simi Valley, although no official cause of the fire has yet been announced.

Edison issued a statement in response to the lawsuits, saying, "At this time, SCE is not commenting on any lawsuits associated with the Woolsey Fire, as an ongoing investigation is underway by Cal Fire and Ventura County Fire. SCE is fully cooperating in their investigation."

The Woolsey Fire burned into Los Angeles County and through Malibu and other areas. The blaze destroyed 1,643 structures and damaged 364 others in two counties. The blaze was not fully contained until Nov. 21.

One of the lawsuits was filed Monday in Los Angeles County on behalf of 146 residents of the Malibu, Bell Canyon, Calabasas and Agoura Hills areas, according to attorneys. Another lawsuit was filed Thursday in Ventura County on behalf of 25 homeowners in Malibu and Oak Park.

Among the plaintiffs are Rams Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson and Oscar-winning sound engineer Chris Jenkins, attorneys said.

City News Service contributed to this post; Photo: Los Angeles County firefighters attack flames approaching the Salvation Army camps in Malibu Creek State Park during the Woolsey Fire on November 10, 2018 near Malibu, California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)