Utility Caused California Wildfire, Suit Alleges

Victims of a wildfire that burned 24 homes last year are suing the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, claiming the utility started the huge blaze and failed to properly maintain power lines and equipment.

The Daily News reported Wednesday that about 100 plaintiffs filed suit last month for negligence, dangerous condition of public property and other allegations. They are seeking unspecified damages.

The so-called Powerhouse Fire burned 53 structures over more than 30,000 acres near Santa Clarita and in Angeles National Forest. It began near a hydroelectric power plant.

Results of a U.S. Forest Service investigation have not been released. The DWP, in a statement, said it is also conducting an investigation.

The utility said it doesn’t believe that equipment age was a factor in the fire.