LA County Prosecutors Investigate Edison for Eaton Fire

Prosecutors probing whether utility should face criminal charges for deadly wildfire

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office is investigating whether Southern California Edison should face criminal prosecution for its actions related to the devastating Eaton wildfire in 2025 that killed 19 people and destroyed thousands of homes. Edison said it is cooperating with the investigation, but maintains it acted as a 'reasonable utility operator' before the deadly blaze.

Why it matters

The Eaton fire was one of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in recent California history, highlighting concerns about utility companies' role in sparking blazes and the potential for criminal liability. The investigation could set a precedent for how prosecutors hold utilities accountable for their actions during extreme weather events.

The details

According to Edison's annual report, the company 'could be subject to material fines, penalties, or restitution' if the investigation determines it 'failed to comply with applicable laws and regulations.' Edison has said a leading theory is that a century-old transmission line in Eaton Canyon, which had not carried power for 50 years, somehow re-energized and sparked the fire. The company said it did not remove the line because it believed it would be used in the future, despite knowing idle transmission lines could spark wildfires.

  • The Eaton fire occurred on January 7, 2025.
  • Edison released its annual 10-K report on February 18, 2026, revealing the criminal investigation.

The players

Southern California Edison

A major electric utility company serving central, coastal and southern California.

Pedro Pizarro

Chief executive of Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison.

Los Angeles County District Attorney

The prosecutor's office investigating whether Edison should face criminal charges for the Eaton fire.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“SCE is not aware of any basis for felony liability with regards to the Eaton Fire. Any fines and penalties incurred in connection with the Eaton Fire will not be recoverable from insurance, from the Wildfire Fund, or through electric rates.”

— Southern California Edison (Edison International 10-K report)

“I continued to believe that the company had acted as a 'reasonable utility operator' before the deadly fire.”

— Pedro Pizarro, Chief Executive, Edison International (Investor conference call)

What’s next

The District Attorney's office has not yet released the findings of its investigation into the cause of the Eaton fire.

The takeaway

The criminal investigation into Edison's role in the deadly Eaton fire underscores the growing scrutiny and potential legal liability utility companies face as climate change fuels more extreme weather events that can spark devastating wildfires. The outcome could set an important precedent for how prosecutors hold utilities accountable in the future.