Southern California Edison to Pay $82.5 Million to US Government for 2020 Bobcat Fire

Strategic Insights -

The Justice Department announced that Southern California Edison (SCE) has agreed to pay $82.5 million to resolve claims on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service to recoup costs and damages associated with the 2020 Bobcat Fire in the Angeles National Forest. The fire burned over 114,000 acres, causing extensive damage to public lands and affecting habitats and wildlife, including the federally endangered mountain yellow-legged frog. The lawsuit alleged that the fire was caused by trees not properly maintained by SCE and its tree maintenance contractor coming into contact with power lines. The settlement marks the largest-ever wildfire cost recovery settlement in the Central District of California.

Key Takeaways:

  • The United States government filed a lawsuit in September 2023 against Southern California Edison and Utility Tree Service to recover costs incurred fighting the Bobcat Fire and for the extensive damages it caused to the Angeles National Forest.
  • The lawsuit alleged that the fire was caused by trees not properly maintained by SCE and its tree maintenance contractor coming into contact with power lines.
  • The fire burned over 114,000 acres, causing damage to public lands and affecting habitats and wildlife, including the federally endangered mountain yellow-legged frog and federally threatened fish and birds.
  • The settlement of $82.5 million is the largest-ever wildfire cost recovery settlement in the Central District of California.
  • SCE agreed to pay the settlement within 60 days of the effective date of the settlement agreement, which was May 14.
  • The settlement funds will be used to rehabilitate burned areas, restore wildlife habitats, and strengthen the forest's resilience to future wildfires.
  • The United States Forest Service investigated the matter, and Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Quist and Joseph Tursi negotiated the settlement.

Statistics:

  • $82.5 million: The amount of money that Southern California Edison has agreed to pay to the US government to resolve claims associated with the 2020 Bobcat Fire.
  • 114,000 acres: The area of land burned by the Bobcat Fire, approximately 175 square miles.
  • 100,000 acres: The area of the Angeles National Forest burned by the Bobcat Fire.
  • 100 miles: The number of miles of trails that were closed as a result of the fire.
  • 60 days: The timeframe within which SCE agreed to pay the settlement.
  • September 6, 2020: The day on which the Bobcat Fire started.
  • May 14: The date on which the settlement agreement was effective.

Sources:

  • "Los Angeles Times: SCE agrees to $82.5M settlement over Bobcat Fire, DOJ says".
  • "Office of United States Attorneys: Justice Department Announces $82.5 Million Settlement with Southern California Edison Over 2020 Bobcat Fire".