Pasadena Jewish Temple Sues Edison Over Eaton Fire

Congregation claims utility failed to follow safety protocols, leading to destruction of historic sanctuary and other buildings.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:07pm

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The Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center has filed a lawsuit against Southern California Edison, alleging the utility company's negligence led to the ignition of the Eaton fire in 2025 that destroyed the congregation's historic sanctuary, preschool, and other buildings. The temple claims Edison failed to de-energize transmission lines and maintain its equipment despite warnings of dangerous fire conditions, resulting in the devastating blaze that left the congregation without a physical home for over a year.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights the ongoing battle between California utilities and wildfire victims seeking accountability, as well as the broader challenges facing houses of worship and religious communities that suffer catastrophic losses from climate change-fueled natural disasters.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Edison's failure to follow its own safety protocols and properly maintain its electrical infrastructure led to the ignition of the Eaton fire. The complaint cites a Times investigation that found Edison had fallen behind on necessary maintenance work it had billed customers for. It also alleges the utility left up a decommissioned transmission line that sparked the blaze.

  • The Eaton fire occurred in 2025, destroying the Pasadena Jewish Temple's historic sanctuary and other buildings.
  • The temple filed the lawsuit against Southern California Edison on January 28, 2026.

The players

Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center

A Jewish congregation that has served hundreds of families in Pasadena, California since 1941.

Southern California Edison

An electric utility company that the temple claims was responsible for igniting the Eaton fire that destroyed the congregation's buildings.

Joshua Ratner

The senior rabbi of the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center.

Pedro Pizarro

The chief executive of Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison.

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What they’re saying

“A leading theory is that a century-old, dormant transmission line in Eaton Canyon briefly became energized that night, causing sparks that ignited the fire.”

— Pedro Pizarro, Chief Executive, Edison International (latimes.com)

What’s next

The government investigation into the cause of the Eaton fire has not yet been released, and the lawsuit seeks financial compensation for the destruction of the temple's campus as well as injunctive relief to prevent Edison from causing more wildfires in the future.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between California utilities and wildfire victims seeking accountability, as well as the challenges facing religious institutions that suffer catastrophic losses from climate change-fueled natural disasters. It underscores the need for utilities to prioritize safety and maintenance to prevent such devastating incidents.