An investigation by the Orange County Fire Authority and Cal Fire confirmed that an “unspecified electrical event involving an Edison power line” caused the 2022 Coastal fire in Laguna Niguel, which destroyed 20 homes and damaged 11 others. The fire was ignited by sparks from Southern California Edison (SCE) equipment, which set vegetation ablaze. The fire spread quickly, burning 202 acres and severely impacting the community of Coronado Pointe. SCE had acknowledged circuit activity near the fire’s origin shortly after the blaze was reported.
Attorney Richard Bridgford, representing residents affected by the fire, filed a lawsuit against SCE six days after the incident. The lawsuit alleges that SCE’s equipment failures led to the destruction of homes, as confirmed by the fire report. Bridgford emphasized that the fire could have been prevented with better safety measures. His clients are seeking compensation and want SCE to place power lines underground to prevent similar disasters.
The Coastal fire resulted in the evacuation of approximately 52,000 people, injured two firefighters, and prompted discussions on improving wildfire mitigation efforts.
Read the full article on the Orange County Register here: https://www.ocregister.com/2024/10/08/electrical-event-involving-sce-power-line-caused-destructive-2022-fire-in-laguna-niguel-report-says/