LOS ANGELES
Southern California Edison (SCE) has agreed to pay the U.S. government $82.5 million, marking the largest wildfire-related recovery in Central District of California history, to settle claims over the 2020 Bobcat Fire in the Angeles National Forest, the U.S. Justice Department announced.
The fire burned over 114,000 acres, including nearly 100,000 acres of federal land. It damaged trails, campgrounds, wildlife habitats, and cultural sites, and forced years-long closures.
(News Report Four Years Ago)
Federal prosecutors alleged that the fire started when poorly maintained trees made contact with SCE power lines. The U.S. filed suit in 2023 against SCE and its contractor, Utility Tree Service.
“This record settlement provides meaningful compensation to taxpayers and reinforces our commitment to protecting public lands,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli.
Though SCE admitted no wrongdoing, the utility agreed to pay the full amount within 60 days of the May 14 agreement.
“This funding is vital to restoring fire-damaged landscapes and wildlife habitats,” said U.S. Forest Service officials.
The Forest Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Quist and Joseph Tursi led the negotiations.