In the lawsuit filed Oct. 20, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, claims the blaze started during a Santa Ana Winds event Oct. 26, 2020, alleging a 12,000-volt electric conductor came too close to a T-Mobile communications line.
The close contact caused electricity to arc between the lines, igniting the wildfire, according to the lawsuit. An eyewitness watched the fire start and rapidly spread.
Cal Fire claims the companies failed to properly design, construct, install, operate, control, inspect, and maintain the electrical and communications equipment, resulting in multiple arching and sparks that melted portions of power lines and telecommunications equipment.
The injured firefighters sustained second- and third-degree burns on Oct. 26, 2020, one over 65 percent of his body and the other over half his body, according to OCFA. Van Iwaarden was released after four months in the hospital and Le was released after about a month, according to local news reports.
With the lawsuit, Cal Fire is attempting to recover firefighting and investigation costs for its agency and OCFA, which is authorized under state law. The agency is also asking for reimbursement of legal fees.
Cal Fire was unable to disclose how much money they are seeking to recoup because they do not comment on pending litigation, agency spokesman Capt. Robert Foxworthy told The Epoch Times.
Southern California Edison spokesman David Eisenhauer told The Epoch Times the company is fully cooperating with fire officials.
“Our thoughts remain with those who were affected by the fire, including the two firefighters who were seriously injured,” Eisenhauer told The Epoch times. “We have cooperated fully with fire officials throughout their review. SCE has not yet been served with the complaint but will respond as part of the ongoing proceedings.”
T-Mobile did not respond to a request for comment.