Families File Class Action Over Lead Poisoning Linked to Eaton Fire Fallout
Lawsuit Alleges Children Exposed to Toxic Levels of Lead and Asbestos After Southern California Edison’s Equipment Sparked Devastating Blaze
LOS ANGELES, CA – On May 8 2025, the California Fire Victims Law Center filed a groundbreaking class action lawsuit seeking compensation for property remediation and long-term medical monitoring for children and families exposed to toxic contamination in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire. The suit, brought on behalf of residents living in the fire’s toxic plume, alleges that Southern California Edison’s (SCE) negligence in maintaining its electrical infrastructure led to the fire’s ignition and the release of hazardous substances, including lead and asbestos, across surrounding communities.
Scientific testing from Caltech found alarming concentrations of lead and other toxic substances in the debris and ash left by the fire. Even homes located miles away from the burn zone showed lead contamination surpassing federal safety limits, suggesting that toxic particles may have been carried by wind and ash fallout far beyond the immediate fire area. Testing by local advocacy group, Eaton Fire Residents United, confirmed that 100% of the homes tested in the affected area contained dangerous lead levels, with 76% exceeding the EPA's safe threshold for adult exposure. A Los Angeles Times investigation further revealed that some areas had lead levels 10 times the federal limit, underscoring the widespread contamination.
Attorney Kiley Grombacher, co-counsel for the plaintiffs, stated “No level of lead exposure is safe, especially for children where even the lowest levels can cause permanent damage to developing brains and long-term health. What's truly alarming is that scientific testing shows entire neighborhoods, even miles from the epicenter of Eaton Fire, are contaminated at levels far exceeding federal safety thresholds. This public health crisis could have been prevented had Southern California Edison fulfilled basic safety obligations to properly maintain its electrical infrastructure.”
Attorney Bryan Aylstock, co-counsel for the plaintiffs, added “Our lawsuit is a critical first step towards ensuring families in communities devastated by the Eaton Fire are protected from future health risks. The contamination left by this fire threatens our children with life-altering exposure to lead and other dangerous toxins. We are committed to holding Southern California Edison accountable and seeking justice for the families whose lives have been deeply impacted.”
According to the complaint, the fire originated from a malfunction in an SCE-owned electrical tower. Despite forecasts predicting Santa Ana winds with gusts up to 100 mph, SCE allegedly failed to take precautionary measures such as de-energizing lines or reinforcing vulnerable infrastructure. The lawsuit also alleges that SCE neglected vegetation management around its facilities, significantly increasing the fire’s spread and severity.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for damages, medical monitoring for affected families, and punitive damages for the alleged negligence that led to the widespread contamination.
For a copy of the complaint or to speak with an attorney please contact Kaitlyn Francis at (410) 443-8669 or kaitlyn@rebuttalpr.com.