Rep. Chu’s Statement on Confirmation of Eaton Fire Cause

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Los Angeles County Fire Department released their official investigation concluding that the January 7, 2025 Eaton Fire was caused by out-of-service equipment managed by Southern California Edison.

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), who has led efforts in Congress to secure federal disaster assistance, tax relief, and long-term recovery resources for Eaton Fire survivors, released the following statement:

"Today's findings from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Los Angeles County Fire Department confirm that out-of-service equipment managed by Southern California Edison sparked the Eaton Fire. This official determination is an important step toward accountability and justice for the survivors, their families, and our communities who have endured unimaginable loss over the past nineteen months. Southern California Edison must take every step necessary to help Altadena and Pasadena rebuild, and to ensure a tragedy like this never happens again.

While today's findings bring long-awaited clarity, they do not change the reality facing thousands of families who are still struggling to rebuild. Nineteen months later, two out of every three Eaton and Palisades survivors still have not returned home. That is why it is so important that President Trump and congressional Republicans immediately fulfill Governor Newsom's disaster supplemental funding request in full-and with no strings attached- so survivors can finally complete the long road to recovery. The Senate must also immediately pass the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act so survivors are not taxed on the settlements they receive from Southern California Edison as they rebuild their homes and lives."