SOUTHLAND – (INT) - Southern California Edison (SCE) has agreed to pay $82.5 million to resolve claims on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service to recoup costs and damages associated with the 2020 Bobcat Fire in the Angeles National Forest, the Justice Department announced Friday.

The Bobcat Fire ignited in September 2020 and burned more than 114,000 acres – approximately 175 square miles – mostly in the San Gabriel Mountains.

“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.

A lawsuit was in September 2023 on behalf of the Forest Service against SCE and Utility Tree Service to recover costs incurred fighting the Bobcat Fire and for the extensive damages that it caused to the Angeles National Forest.

It was alleged that the Bobcat Fire ignited when trees that were not properly maintained by SCE and its tree maintenance contractor came into contact with power lines, causing the blaze to ignite.

Story Date: June 10, 2025