Edison Hides Wildfire Docs, Faces Criminal Probe

0:00Southern California Edison faces backlash for hiding key documents about the Eaton fire that killed 19 people and left thousands homeless in. Al-Tedina, last January 7th. The blaze scorched 14,021 acres and lawsuits blamed the utility for neglecting an old idle transmission line that might have sparked it by getting energized. Edison's CEO, Pedro Pizarro, insists the company stays transparent, sharing basic facts while their probe continues. But in court, their ceiling investigation records under attorney client privilege and protective orders, a tactic repeated in at least seven past, wildfires. Victims' lawyers are furious, arguing the secrecy block's fair trials and hides negligence like poor inspections on that unattended tower-left idle. For decades, regulators have long slammed Edison for the same stonewalling, saying a block's lessons to prevent future fires and violate safety rules. Recent sealed filings reveal uneven maintenance dried vegetation, cleared under live wires but ignored below the idle one, plus contractor issues.

1:04Now Los Angeles County prosecutors are probing criminal charges against Edison for their role. Meanwhile, a judge just ordered Edison to hand over more documents to plaintiffs, though still under seal. This fight could shape accountability in wildfire cases, pushing for public safety over corporate shields. I'm Corey with The Story, and you've been listening to California News Today, AI-powered local news.