A massive lawsuit has been filed against a major California utility company, alleging negligence and misconduct that led to one of the most devastating wildfires in the state's history. On January 23, 2025, Catherine Bates and several other plaintiffs filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E). The lawsuit accuses PG&E of causing the Dixie Fire through negligent maintenance and operation of their electrical infrastructure.
The plaintiffs, represented by their guardians ad litem due to being minors, include individuals who suffered personal injuries and property damage from the Dixie Fire. The fire began on July 13, 2021, reportedly sparked by PG&E's electrical equipment coming into contact with vegetation. This fire became the largest single wildfire in California's history, burning nearly a million acres and destroying over a thousand structures. According to CAL FIRE reports cited in the complaint, historical landmarks were among those destroyed in Greenville.
The complaint alleges that PG&E's negligence extends beyond this incident, highlighting a pattern of prioritizing profits over safety. It references past incidents where PG&E's failure to manage vegetation around power lines resulted in catastrophic fires. The plaintiffs argue that PG&E was aware of these risks but failed to take adequate measures to prevent them. "PG&E knew about the significant risk of wildfires... for decades before the Dixie Fire," states the complaint.
The legal action seeks damages for personal injury, property loss, emotional distress, and other harms caused by PG&E's alleged negligence. Plaintiffs are pursuing various forms of relief including compensatory damages for economic losses such as lost income and property repair costs. They also seek punitive damages to deter future misconduct by PG&E.
Attorneys Mark D. Potter from Parkinson Benson Potter and Bret D. Cook represent the plaintiffs in this case under Case ID CGC-25-621730. The case is presided over by Judge Sahar in San Francisco Superior Court.