KQED is a proud member of
Save ArticleSave Article
upper waypoint
The California Report

Ranchers Sue Utility Over Alleged Role in California Fire

Associated Press
Save ArticleSave Article
Failed to save article

Please try again

Some of the many utility poles and power lines that burned in the Thomas Fire. These poles were awaiting repairs on Dec. 6, 2017, on Highway 150 north of Santa Paula. (Sharon McNary/KPCC)

Ranchers who lost cattle and property during California's largest-ever wildfire sued a utility on Thursday for allegedly failing to maintain aging equipment and manage vegetation in areas where the blaze was sparked.

The lawsuits filed in Ventura County claim Southern California Edison didn't mitigate the significant risk of wildfires stemming from its outdated equipment.

The plaintiffs include Aubrey and Kim Sloan, who lost more than 50 cattle and thousands of acres of land when flames ripped through their ranch northwest of Los Angeles.

The Thomas fire covered more than 440 square miles, or 1,140 sq. kilometers, and destroyed more than 1,000 buildings.

A separate suit filed last month by nearly 300 residents, farmers and business owners also accuses SCE of negligence that led to the fire and subsequent mudslides.

Sponsored

The findings of a multi-agency investigation into the cause of the December fire have not been released.

"The Thomas fire obviously has had an impact on many individuals, but the origin and cause of the fire continue to be under investigation and no report has yet been issued," SCE spokesman David Song said in a statement. "This and other lawsuits are not based on findings related to an investigation. Therefore, it would be premature for SCE to comment on the origin or cause of the recent wildfires."

lower waypoint
next waypoint
Alameda County District Attorney Challenges Recall Signature CountCalifornia Homeowners Say Oakland Lender Scammed Them Out of $3M in Home ImprovementsSFSU Pro-Palestinian Encampment Established as Students Rally for DivestmentBillionaire-Backed Bid for New Solano County City Is Closer to November BallotWhat’s Next for Pro-Palestinian Campus ProtestsInside Mexico's Clandestine Drug Treatment CentersThe Politics and Policy Around Newsom’s Vatican Climate Summit TripCalifornia’s 2023 Snow Deluge Was a Freak Event, Study SaysFAFSA 2024: The May 2 Deadline for California Students is Almost HereCity Lights Chief Book Buyer Paul Yamazaki on a Half Century Spent “Reading the Room”