Bobcat Fire, 2020 (File Photo – Angeles_NF)
Southern California Edison (SCE) has agreed to pay a record $82.5 million to the federal government to resolve allegations that the utility played a central role in sparking the 2020 Bobcat Fire.
By News Desk
Federal officials announced the landmark settlement on Friday, May 23, 2025, calling it the largest wildfire-related recovery in the history of California’s Central District. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the funds will help offset the significant costs of fighting the blaze, which burned more than 116,000 acres and raged for nearly three months in the fall of 2020.
According to federal allegations, the fire ignited on September 6, 2020 (see archived live updates by the Colorado Boulevard Newspaper), after vegetation came into contact with SCE power lines in the Angeles National Forest. Prosecutors contended that Edison and a subcontracted tree maintenance company failed to properly manage tree growth near their electrical infrastructure, thereby contributing to the ignition of the fire.
The Bobcat Fire scorched a vast swath of federally managed land, including fragile ecosystems and habitats home to endangered species. Over its 80-day lifespan, the fire destroyed 171 structures, damaged dozens more, incinerated nearly 180 vehicles, and forced thousands to evacuate from nearby communities. The resulting smoke significantly worsened air quality across Southern California for weeks.
In addition to environmental damage, the fire caused the long-term closure of more than 100 miles of recreational trails and several campgrounds across the Angeles National Forest and the San Gabriel Mountains. Officials estimate the total firefighting and restoration costs exceeded $100 million.
Though Edison will pay the settlement amount in full within 60 days of the May 14 agreement, the utility has not admitted to any wrongdoing or liability in the case.
“This record settlement against Southern California Edison provides meaningful compensation to taxpayers for the extensive costs of fighting the Bobcat Fire and for the widespread damage to public lands,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli.
The settlement is seen as a significant milestone in holding utility companies accountable for wildfire prevention, particularly as climate change continues to intensify fire seasons across the western United States.
Southern California Edison issued a statement acknowledging the settlement.
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