Southern California Edison will pay the U.S. $82.5 million to resolve claims on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service to recoup costs and damages caused by the Bobcat fire which burned 114,000 acres, most of it in the Angeles National Forest, in 2020, authorities announced Friday, May 23.
Federal officials called it the “largest-ever wildfire cost recovery settlement by the United States in the Central District of California.” Edison isn’t admitting fault under the settlement.
“This record settlement against Southern California Edison provides meaningful compensation to taxpayers for the extensive costs of fighting the Bobcat Fire and for the widespread damage to public lands,” said Bill Essayli, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California.
The federal lawsuit filed on September 2023 against Edison and one of its contractors, Utility Tree Services, alleged that trees not properly maintained by Edison and Utility Tree Services, came into contact with power lines causing the fire. Both are liable for damages caused by the Bobcat Fire, the lawsuit alleged.
The Bobcat fire started Sept. 6, 2020 near Cogswell Dam and the West Fork day-use area in the forest. The wildfire destroyed 171 structures and 178 vehicles plus damaged 47 structures, federal officials said. More than 100 miles of trails and numerous campgrounds were closed for years as a result of the fire.
The fire also had a detrimental impact on habitats and wildlife, including the federally endangered yellow-legged frog, federally threatened fish and birds, and irreplaceable cultural and heritage resources, federal officials said.
“We are grateful to receive these settlement funds, which mark an important step toward recovery and restoration,” said Deputy Forest Supervisor Tony Martinez of the Angeles National Forest. “These resources will help us rehabilitate burned areas, restore wildlife habitats, and strengthen our forests’ resilience to future wildfires.”
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