By admin 
ALTADENA, Calif. (KABC) — Fire officials said in a report released Tuesday that Southern California Edison equipment caused the deadly 2025 Eaton Fire, a finding that could have significant implications for fire survivors and ongoing litigation against the utility.
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For some residents who lost their homes, the report confirmed what they have believed since the fire began.
“We’re a year and a half in and they’re telling us something we have known since Day 1,” said Jesse Albert, whose Altadena property remains untouched since remediation while rebuilding continues around him.
Albert said he wants to remain hopeful after investigators pointed to electrical arcing on an out-of-service Southern California Edison tower as the source of the fire. 7 On Your Side Investigates previously captured video of the tower being removed.
“Show me the money …. to be honest with you. We need this,” Albert said.
Attorneys representing Altadena homeowners who are suing Southern California Edison said they hope the report’s findings could help bring the parties closer to a settlement before a trial scheduled for early next year.
“Hopefully, this is going to prompt Southern California Edison to take affirmative steps to try and resolve all of the cases,” attorney Joseph Brent said.
Southern California Edison has not formally endorsed the report’s conclusions.
When asked whether the utility agreed with the report’s findings that its equipment started the fire, company spokesperson Kathleen Dunleavy said, “This report came out Tuesday – at Southern California Edison, we are reviewing it.”
Dunleavy said the utility has maintained that its equipment likely led to the ignition of the fire, but she added that drought conditions and the response to the fire also contributed to the spread and magnitude of the blaze.
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“At Edison, our hearts continue to be with the people in Altadena,” Dunleavy said.
Albert expressed frustration with the company’s response as he continues legal battles involving both his insurer and Southern California Edison.
“If their hearts are with us-by the way thoughts and prayers – I mean, how far does that go? It’s not building my house,” he said.
As the legal process moves forward, Albert said the toll on his family has been profound.
“The emotional impact this has had on my children is just astronomical,” he said.
Southern California Edison has been promoting its compensation program for Altadena homeowners. Attorneys say homeowners who accepted settlements through the program before the report’s release are likely out of options if they now want to pursue litigation against the utility.
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