Edison Utility Sued Over L.A. Wildfire Child Lead Exposure (1)

Children living near the site of the Eaton Fire accused Edison International’s Southern California utility of exposing them to lead and asbestos carried by wildfire smoke.

The complaint, filed Wednesday in California Superior Court, Los Angeles County, says Southern California Edison must pay for the continued medical care of children living near the wildfire to guard against lead-related long term health consequences.

The proposed class cites new tests from nonprofits and professors that say significant lead contamination inside Altadena, Pasadena, and South Pasadena homes is linked to the deadly fire.

“Thousands of houses, cars, tires, buildings containing lead paint and asbestos, and appliances have burned, all contributing to the toxic smoke that has settled on the community in the form of ash and debris,” the complaint said. “Structures that at first glance appear to have been spared from the flames are in fact unfit for human habitation.”

The utility’s equipment has been accused in more than one hundred state court lawsuits of starting the fire. Its CEO, Pedro Pizarro, said the company is investigating and its equipment “could” be linked to the Eaton Fire.

“Our thoughts are with all community members who have suffered losses due to the January fires,” said Jeff Monford, a spokesperson for Southern California Edison. “The cause of the Eaton fire has not yet been determined. We will review this lawsuit and respond in the litigation.”

The suit was filed by Amber Diaz, the guardian of child W.F.F., who lives in South Pasadena and says their home was “extensively damaged by smoke and ash, but still standing.”

“WFF experienced exposure to horrific contamination and the uncertainty of knowing if he is experiencing neurological damage,” the complaint said. “Additionally, there is now the ever-present concern that WFF will suffer from serious health consequences in the future.”

Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz, PLLC and Bradley/Grombacher, LLP represent Diaz.

The case is Diaz v. Southern California Edison Co., Cal. Super. Ct., No. 25STCV13469, 5/7/25.