Case Background

The Bobcat Fire began on September 6, 2020, inside the Angeles National Forest near Cogswell Dam. Investigators traced the ignition to a tree in contact with Southern California Edison’s (SCE) power lines. Utility Tree Service (UTS), responsible for vegetation clearance, worked under contract with SCE. Despite known hazards, the tree remained untrimmed. The fire burned over 114,577 acres, destroyed 171 structures, damaged 47, and forced widespread evacuations. It devastated wildlife habitats, including endangered species, and damaged cultural and recreational resources.

Cause

SCE operated power lines under a federal Special Use Permit requiring safe maintenance. UTS assumed vegetation clearance duties. Both companies knew about the hazardous tree but failed to act. Previous pruning and visible canopy intrusion showed long-standing risks. When the tree touched the power line, it sparked flames. The fire spread quickly across forest land. Federal law and state codes impose duties on utilities to prevent such fires. The complaint accused SCE and UTS of violating these duties.

Injury

The fire destroyed vast forest land, including more than 99,000 federal acres. Trails, campgrounds, and recreation areas closed for years. Wildlife habitats and watershed resources suffered long-term damage. Archaeological site