A lawsuit has been filed and is seeking class action status against the utility for allegedly causing the Witch Creek and Rice Canyon fires. The suit was filed in San Diego Superior Court on behalf of any county residents who suffered property damage, injury or death in October 2007. The lawsuit claims San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) was negligent and failed to comply with California state and federal laws requiring clear zones around transmission line and poles.
The Rice Canyon fire began Oct. 22 near Rainbow in North County. It destroyed 206 homes and scorched 9,500 acres. Five firefighters were injured.
The Witch Creek fire began Oct. 21 and burned more than 197,000 acres, destroyed 1,125 homes, injured 40 firefighters, and killed two people.
