Eaton Fire survivors respond to SCE’s draft compensation plan

ALTADENA, Calif. (KESQ) - As Southern California Edison finalizes a forthcoming claims program for eligible individuals and businesses impacted by the Eaton Fire, residents of Altadena who lost their homes and community urged the utility today to build a "fair, reasonable and fully funded" plan that helps survivors rebuild.

According to a draft released by SCE, the company is considering payments based on square footage and extent of damage to impacted homes. Additionally, each death would bring $1.5 million for pain and suffering, and $500,000 for each surviving spouse and eligible dependent. Another $5 million would serve as a premium toward the Edison Fund.  

Eaton fire survivors Thursday gathered in Altadena to present their 51-page response, "Fix What You Broke,'' drawing from the personal accounts of more than 200 homeowners, renters, small businessowners and families who lost not only property but stability, health and a sense of community.

The report cites data showing that after California's five most destructive wildfires, only 38% of homes were rebuilt within five years. Two factors made the difference: insurance payments and -- when a utility was at fault -- utility payments, according to the report.

Survivors said that where those payments were fair and timely, communities recovered. Where they were delayed or inadequate, they said, neighborhoods never came back.

SCE is currently being investigated by state officials for allegedly starting the fire after a tower became re-energized and sent sparks toward dry brush below. SCE has denied any wrongdoing.

"This isn't about blame -- it's about fairness and reasonableness,'' Joy Chen, executive director of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, said in a statement. "We call on Edison to honor its moral and legal duty to fix what it broke. Edison's draft plan would pay most Eaton Fire survivors only a fraction of what PG&E paid its Camp Fire victims -- and PG&E was bankrupt. Edison is solvent, profitable and backed by the California Wildfire Fund. For it to offer less than a bankrupt company did is indefensible."

In July, SCE said it would launch a compensation program for those who lost homes, businesses or rental properties in the fire. Claims would also cover total and partial structure loss, commercial property loss, business interruption, smoke and ash, physical injury and fatalities.

"Edison's draft mirrors the same patterns that already failed us under insurance -- narrow eligibility, arbitrary caps and fine print that protects itself at the expense of the survivors it must make whole,'' said Andrew Wessels, strategy director for the Survivors Network. "Edison is not an insurer. It's the wrongdoer. Its duty isn't defined by policy language, it's defined by the harm it caused."  

Critics have also warned that individuals who participate in SCE's compensation program would be required to forfeit their right to sue -- and such a payout would come at a reduced rate compared to a potential larger court settlement.

The Eaton fire killed 19 people and destroyed more than 9,400 homes and other structures in Altadena. In the wake of the Jan. 7 fire, dozens of lawsuits have been filed against Edison.