.jpg)
3 hours ago
1
Article content
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A California utility has agreed to pay the federal government $82.5 million stemming from an enormous 2020 wildfire that churned through mountains northeast of Los Angeles and into the Mojave Desert, officials said Friday.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
Article content
The U.S. Justice Department announced the payment by Southern California Edison on Thursday. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement that the settlement provides “meaningful compensation to taxpayers for the extensive costs of fighting the … fire and for the widespread damage to public lands.”
Article content
Article content
Edison agreed to pay the settlement within 60 days of its effective date, May 14, without admitting wrongdoing or fault, prosecutors said.
Article content
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
Utility spokesperson Diane Castro said, “Our hearts are with the people who were affected by the Bobcat Fire. We are pleased to have resolved this matter and will continue to advance wildfire mitigation measures.”
Article content
The settlement stemmed from a 2023 lawsuit filed by federal prosecutors on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service against Edison and Utility Tree Service to recover costs from fighting the so-called Bobcat Fire and for the extensive damage that it caused to the Angeles National Forest.
Article content
The government alleged that the fire ignited when trees that were not properly maintained by the utility and its tree maintenance contractor came into contact with power lines. Damage from the fire closed campgrounds and more than 100 miles (161 kilometers) of trails for years and harmed habitat for the federally endangered wildlife-mountain yellow-legged frog and federally threatened fish and birds, the government said.
Article content
“These resources will help us rehabilitate burned areas, restore wildlife habitats and strengthen our forests’ resilience to future wildfires,” said Deputy Forest Supervisor Tony Martinez of the Angeles National Forest.
Article content
The fire charred about 178 square miles (461 square kilometers).
Article content
Last year, the utility agreed to pay $80 million to settle claims on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service connected to a massive wildfire that destroyed more than a thousand homes and other structures in 2017.
Article content
Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the Eaton Fire, which destroyed at least 7,000 homes and other structures and laid waste to entire neighborhoods earlier this year. Lawsuits against SCE say the utility’s equipment sparked the blaze.
Article content
English (US)