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Q&A: Why the NAACP Is Suing Edison Over the Eaton Fire

October 28, 2025

The NAACP and law firm Singleton Schreiber filed a lawsuit in January 2025 against Southern California Edison on behalf of Altadena residents affected by the Eaton Fire, which destroyed over 9,000 structures and caused an estimated $10-12 billion in damages. The plaintiffs allege that sparks from Edison's poorly maintained electrical equipment, including a decommissioned line unused for over 50 years, ignited the blaze that killed 19 people and devastated the historically Black community. Managing partner Gerald Singleton reports that cleanup is nearly complete and approximately 10% of homeowners have obtained rebuilding permits, though labor shortages are creating delays and increased costs.

Who is affected

  • Approximately 6,000 homeowners who lost their residences
  • Owners of nearly 200 small multiunit buildings
  • Hundreds of business owners
  • Altadena residents, particularly members of one of California's largest Black communities
  • 19 people who lost their lives
  • Thousands of displaced residents
  • About 25% of victims who were uninsured
  • More than 26,000 wildfire victims nationwide represented by Singleton Schreiber

What action is being taken

  • The NAACP and Singleton Schreiber are pursuing a lawsuit against Southern California Edison Company and Edison International
  • All cases are being consolidated with approximately 160 law firms involved
  • Cleanup operations are nearly complete
  • About 10% of homeowners are rebuilding after receiving permits
  • Attorneys are requesting the judge move the trial date from January 2027 to September 2026
  • Mental health providers are treating uninsured clients on a lien basis (to be paid from lawsuit proceeds)

Why it matters

  • This lawsuit is significant because it seeks accountability for a catastrophic fire that disproportionately impacted a historically underserved Black community, with the potential to secure $10-12 billion in compensation for victims. The case addresses systemic issues of utility company negligence in high-risk fire zones and ensures that uninsured residents—approximately 25% of those affected—have access to recovery resources they otherwise couldn't obtain. Beyond financial compensation, the lawsuit aims to guarantee that vulnerable communities receive fair treatment in disaster recovery, setting precedent for how utilities maintain infrastructure in fire-prone areas and how marginalized communities are supported after disasters.

What's next

  • Trial is currently scheduled for January 2027, with attorneys requesting it be moved to September 2026
  • Once the trial date is established, mediations and potential settlements can begin
  • Rebuilding efforts will continue as more homeowners receive permits
  • Individual cases within the consolidated lawsuit will be resolved separately

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

Q&A: Why the NAACP Is Suing Edison Over the Eaton Fire