SDG&E blamed for wildfires in legal action
UCAN In the Media
|
Placing the blame. Editor's Note: Attorneys have |
 |
Blame for two of last month's wildfires is being placed on San Diego Gas and Electric. According to attorneys, the complaint was filed on behalf of all persons damaged by the fires, and alleges gross negligence on the part of the utility.
Attorney Todd Macaluso says the utility should have cleared trees around power lines. They failed to do so and he charges that the winds blew trees and brush into the lines, starting both the Rice and the Witch fire.
"Witnesses saw these sparks start the Witch fire," claims the attorney.
SDG&E issued a written response:
"We believe that at the time of the fires, our power lines were in compliance with all laws. The extreme conditions -- hurricane-force winds -- created a huge hazard for all of us, including our electric system. No electric system can be completely protected from such severe weather."
Michael Shames of the consumer watchdog group UCAN says the utility is potentially liable if it does not maintain its lines and its infrastructure.
"Of course, if they are liable, the odds are they will pass on the costs of the liability to their customers who in many cases were burned out," adds Shames.
Post to Twitter
Utility Consumers' Action Network - (619) 696-6966
Terms and Conditions
UCAN.org is made available by the Utility Consumers' Action Network to assist you in becoming what you always knew you could be: a consumer ROCK STAR! We take no corporate money, and are beholden only to you, the consumer. As such, the site is here for educational, advocacy, and empowerment purposes, as well to to give you general information and a general understanding of the law. Just remember this site is NOT here to provide specific legal advice. By using this web site you of course understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Web Site publisher, UCAN. The Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.
That said, get to digging on the site, inform yourself, speak your mind, and earn Watchdog Bones! This is YOUR site, and we mean it. So comment on any of the content, discuss the latest issues in the forums, file a complaint on a company with the Fraud Squad, and generally cut loose.
See our Terms of Use, Privacy, and Copyright complaint policies as well as our Content Reuse Policy, Some Rights Reserved. Remember, if you have any questions about copyright law or need legal information regarding intellectual property, the internet, or new technologies, visit our affiliate New Media Rights at www.newmediarights.org. If you are in the San Diego region, you can also can apply to use New Media Rights' multimedia studio and equipment for free.
