Families Who Lost Homes in California Wildfires Suing Electric Company

Jenny Albano

Contributor

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Wildfires that ravages Southern California, killed two people, and destroyed more than 1,000 homes was caused by sparking power lines. Now, two families who lost their homes from the fires are suing San Diego Gas & Electric Co., claiming that the utility company failed to clear brush around its power poles and didn't insulate power lines to prevent them from sparking. The plaintiffs are seeking class-action certification.

The company stated that it followed all regulations in maintaining the low-voltage power lines that caused the fires.

According to Stephanie Donovan, spokesperson for SDG&E, "We believe at the time of the fires our power lines were in compliance with all regulations. When we have the kind of extreme conditions we faced here in San Diego at the end of October, it creates a huge hazard for everybody, including the electrical system."

The fire, which blew into the heart of north San Diego from chaparral-covered canyons to the east, merged with a smaller fire also caused by power line sparks.