The City of Ventura has joined a growing number of parties suing Southern California Edison over the Thomas Fire last year. The lawsuit claims that the utility is responsible for causing the fire that began December 4, 2017.
According to Cal Fire, the Thomas Fire burned 281,893 acres (440 square miles), destroying 1,063 structures and damaging 280 more. Damage estimates now exceed $2 billion, including $220 million in suppression costs.
The City of Ventura’s lawsuit was filed in Ventura County Superior Court. It accuses Southern California Edison with “negligent and improper operation of the power lines and related equipment.” The city is seeking $4 million in damages.
Suits have already been filed against the utility by over 300 parties, including suits over the catastrophic mudslides that followed the Thomas Fire in January 2018. The mudslides killed 21 people. More on the story.