EXPERIENCED WILDFIRE TRIAL ATTORNEYS.
RICHARDS WILLIS PC REPRESENTED “BELLWETHER PLAINTIFFS’” AGAINST SCE FOR THE THOMAS FIRE LAWSUIT, AN SCE CAUSED FIRE.
RICHARDS WILLIS PC SELECTED FIRST TO GO TO TRIAL IN THE LAST SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON SCE WILDFIRE, THE THOMAS FIRE

References on SCE Equipment and Fire Ignition

- SCE’s Arcing Power Lines
- Surveillance footage shows power lines in Eaton Canyon arcing in high winds around 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
- The arcing occurred shortly before a fire ignited at the base of the power lines, eventually growing into the Eaton Fire.
- (Source: 6ABC article)
- Witnesses confirmed seeing power lines sparking violently in high winds shortly before the fire erupted.
- (Source: 6ABC article)
- Photo Evidence of Fire Origin Under Power Lines
- A photo taken at 6:21 p.m. captures the fire in its very early stages at the base of the power lines.
- This aligns with the timeline of the power line arcing and ignition as observed by witnesses.
- (Source: KABC & Washington Post)
- Negligence in Clearing Brush Around Power Lines
- Witnesses noted that dry brush and dead debris had accumulated under the power lines for years without being cleared.
- Experts state that this lack of vegetation management acted as a significant fuel source, accelerating fire spread.
- (Source: 6ABC article)
- Historical Patterns of SCE Equipment and Fires
- Southern California Edison has been involved in prior lawsuits related to wildfires caused by their infrastructure.
- Investigations and witness accounts in this instance again point to SCE equipment failures, including arcing and poorly maintained lines, as a likely cause.
- (Source: Washington Post & 6ABC article)
- SCE is preserving their evidence of the EATON Fire regarding the fire’s origin. The official cause of the Eaton Fire is not yet known and is still under investigation.
Eaton Fire Support – Richards Willis PC
Richards Willis PC is closely monitoring the impact and investigation surrounding the devastating Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County. Our legal team is here to assist those affected by this tragic event.
The Eaton Fire ignited on January 7 near Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in the Altadena/Pasadena area, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. The fire has scorched over 10,000 acres, destroyed more than 100 structures, and displaced over 100,000 residents. Tragically, it has also claimed five lives. Evacuation zones remain impacted, with water safety advisories in place for affected areas.
How We Can Help
Wildfires leave behind immense emotional, financial, and physical challenges. At Richards Willis PC, we’re dedicated to helping victims recover compensation for their losses, whether it’s damage to your home or business, injury, or a loved one’s wrongful death.
When you choose Richards Willis PC, you gain:
- Experienced Representation: A skilled team with extensive knowledge of wildfire claims and litigation.
- Compassionate Support: We handle your case so you can focus on recovery and rebuilding.
- Results-Driven Advocacy: Our firm works tirelessly to hold responsible parties accountable and secure fair compensation for your losses.
If your life has been disrupted by the Eaton Fire, our attorneys are ready to guide you through this difficult time and fight for the justice you deserve.
Areas of Recovery:
Property and Home Damage
- Costs to repair or replace your home, structure, or property
- Damaged underwood, trees, or timber
- Land value depreciation
- Lost crops
Personal Losses
- Lost personal property or belongings
- Emotional distress
- Loss of wages
Evacuation and Temporary Housing
- Evacuation-related costs
- Rental home loss
Injuries and Death
- Injury
- Wrongful death
- Medical bills
- Funeral or burial costs
Livestock and Pets
- Lost or hurt livestock or pets
Business-Related Losses
- Business interruption
- Business losses
- Lost Business Income/Profits
At Richards Willis PC, we understand the devastating impact wildfires can have on individuals, families, and businesses. With a proven track record of success in wildfire litigation, including representing bellwether plaintiffs in the landmark Thomas Fire case, our experienced trial attorneys are committed to holding negligent parties like Southern California Edison accountable. Whether it’s fighting for compensation for property damage, personal losses, or wrongful death, our team is here to guide you through the legal process with compassion and determination. Let us help you rebuild and secure the justice you deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can support you.
Eaton Fire Updates and Essential Resources
Dear Community Members,
I am contacting you with another update on the Eaton Fire and community resources available to you. The following new updates are provided for your reference:
- Repopulation Update: Yesterday, coordinating agencies began repopulating residents in all areas South of East Altadena Avenue and the East Loma Area.
- All affected residents should download the Genasys application, enter your specific address, and sign up for alerts for the most up to date information on repopulation updates. https://protect.genasys.com/download
- If you are experiencing any issues during the repopulation process, please call Pasadena Police Department to coordinate access to your specific address. General Contact Number: (626) 744-4501.
- FEMA and SBA Deadlines: The deadline to register for FEMA and SBA assistance is March 10, 2025 For more information please visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/.
- Call the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.
Eaton Fire Update
According to CalFire, as of Tuesday, January 21 at 9:19 a.m.
- 14,021 acres burned; 89% contained
- 6,775 structures threatened, 9,418 structures destroyed, 1,071 damaged
- 17 civilian fatalities, 8 fighter injuries
Clean-Up After a Fire – FAQ: The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division, is here to provide guidance and support as you recover after a fire. Please note, even after a fire is out, hazards may persist, and precautions should be taken for the health and safety of you, your family, and your community. See frequently asked questions and answers to help guide you in your clean-up efforts on their FAQ document here.
Pasadena Water & Power Do-Not-Drink-Water Notice: Areas that remain under the Do-Not-Drink-Water Notice (Shown in gray) are advised to not drink or cook with the tap water. It is safe to shower if the water is clear, but please limit the amount of time and heat of the shower. Refrain from taking a bath. Attempting to treat, boil, freeze, filter or add chlorine or other disinfectant to the water will not make it safe to drink.

For answers to frequently asked questions, including safety tips when showering with the water in the identified impacted areas, visit: PWPweb.com/WaterNoticeFAQ
SoCalGas to Restore Service in Some Communities
SoCalGas continues to restore service to homes that have not been directly affected by the Eaton fire. Workers today have restored natural gas service to an additional 987 customers in the Sierra Madre, Altadena, and Pasadena areas, bringing the total number of restored customers to 4,027.

SoCalGas representatives will be staffing a community information booth from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. at Pasadena City College’s Community Education Center, 3035 E. Foothill Blvd., in Pasadena. There customers can get information about restoration efforts, accounts and billing. For the latest updates and information on their restoration efforts, please visit: https://www.socalgas.com/fires
211 LA – is partnering with Airbnb.org, American Express, and Hilton to coordinate the distribution of emergency housing. 211 LA is offering free temporary housing for residents displaced by the recent wildfires.
- If you have been affected, you may be eligible for Emergency Services. Please submit a request HERE
Local Assistance & Disaster Resource Centers
The Disaster Resource Centers will be available to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more recovery resources, visit https://www.recovery.lacounty.gov
- Eastside Location: Pasadena City College Community Education Center, 3035 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107
- Westside Location: UCLA Research Park West, 10850 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Prepare to File an Insurance Claim
The State Insurance Commissioner will host an Insurance Support Workshop to help those affected by the wildfires to understand insurance policies and resources available during recovery.
Pasadena City College
Saturday, January 25 at 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, January 26 at 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
To reserve a one-on-one appointment, call (800) 927-4357
Some of you are displaced and can’t make it to in-person insurance events. Constituents can now call the Consumer Hotline at (800) 927-4357 during normal business hours to ask any insurance-related questions-no need to wait for a workshop or attend in person. We’re here to help.
Evacuation Centers
Main Center:
- Pasadena Convention Center: 300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101
- Parking is available at the parking structure across the street from the Convention Center, located at 155 E. Green St. Please enter the parking garage from Colorado Blvd. The Humane Society is on-site to accept small pets for boarding. Service animals will be allowed inside the Convention Center.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Sierra Madre Pasadena YMCA:
- 611 E Sierra Madre Blvd, Sierra Madre, CA 91024
- Open daily from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Sign-in at the door)
IN-KIND DONATION MOST NEEDED ITEMS: Toilet paper, paper towels, phone chargers, diabetic friendly food, instant coffee, powder creamer, baby formula, peanut butter/jelly, reusable bags/grocery bags, luggage, gloves, cereal, hygiene products, sleeping equipment (blankets, sleeping bags, air mattresses).
*N95 masks are available at all Los Angeles County Public Library locations.*
As some of you have trouble with internet access, I will continue to write out in text many of the updates you requested. Please respond to this email, visit the contact me page on my website, or call my office at (916) 319-2041 and let me know if you would like to see additional information in the next update. If you have internet access, you can visit the resources page on my website.
Sincerely,

John Harabedian
Assemblymember, 41st District