Legal action taken over Eaton Fire destruction

KJT Law Group, in partnership with former Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley and Parris Law Firm, has filed a mass tort lawsuit against Southern California Edison (SCE), alleging responsibility for the Eaton Fire.

The fire has destroyed over 7,000 structures and displaced thousands since it began on 7 January 2025. It has burned more than 14,000 acres and caused the deaths of 16 people.

According to KJT Law Group, eyewitnesses reported that the fire started near a power structure in Altadena. The firm alleges that SCE failed to take appropriate preventive measures despite forecasts of strong winds in the region.

Community impact and response

Residents in Altadena and Pasadena have faced widespread destruction and emergency evacuations.

An unnamed Altadena resident described the fire’s rapid spread: “The fire started towards the top of the mountain and rushed down so fast we didn’t have any time to think or pack anything. The majority of our street is burned to the ground and the street behind me has only two homes left. It’s heartbreaking.”

Thousands of individuals have been left without homes, with long-term recovery expected to take months or years.

Legal perspective on the claims

Caspar Jivalagian, a founding partner of KJT Law Group, commented on the firm’s motivation behind the lawsuit: “This is about accountability. We will not sit by without demanding answers on how this happened and why it wasn’t prevented – no matter who we are up against.”

Jivalagian also noted that the firm aims to support those affected: “We want everyone in Pasadena and Altadena to know that they are not alone. This is personal for us. We are going to do everything in our power to help those impacted – irrespective of their homeowner’s insurance.”

Wider concerns over California wildfires and insurance

The Eaton Fire is one of four major wildfires that have affected the Greater Los Angeles area in 2025, fuelled by strong Santa Ana winds.

The legal action comes amid growing concerns about fire insurance in California. Many residents lost coverage when insurers withdrew from the market, with some policies expiring at the end of 2024 without renewal options.

Eaton Fire lawsuit targets Southern California Edison over wildfire damage: Summary

KJT Law Group, in collaboration with former Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley and Parris Law Firm, has filed a mass tort lawsuit against Southern California Edison. The lawsuit alleges that SCE is responsible for the Eaton Fire, which has destroyed over 7,000 structures, displaced thousands, and caused 16 deaths since it began on 7 January 2025.

Eyewitness reports suggest the fire originated near a power structure in Altadena. The lawsuit claims SCE did not take sufficient preventive measures despite forecasts of strong winds. Residents in Altadena and Pasadena have experienced widespread destruction and prolonged displacement.

The lawsuit is one of several legal challenges arising from wildfires in California. The Eaton Fire is among four major fires that have impacted the Greater Los Angeles area in 2025. Fire insurance coverage has also become a pressing issue, with many policies expiring at the end of 2024 without renewal options.