Why the NAACP Is Suing Edison

Q&A: Why the NAACP Is Suing Edison Over the Eaton Fire

Reginald S. Webb Jr. | California Black Media

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

In January 2025, the NAACP and the law firm Singleton Schreiber filed a lawsuit against Southern California Edison Company and Edison International on behalf of Altadena residents whose homes and businesses were destroyed in the Eaton Fire.

The lawsuit alleges that the fire — which scorched more than 14,000 acres, claimed 19 lives, and displaced thousands — began when sparks from Edison’s electrical equipment ignited dry vegetation in Eaton Canyon. Despite identifying the area as an extreme fire risk zone, Edison allegedly failed to take adequate precautions, according to the plaintiffs.

Altadena, a historic community with one of the largest concentrations of Black Californians, suffered catastrophic losses during the fire. The NAACP and Singelton Schreiber say their joint effort aims not only to hold Edison accountable but also to ensure that vulnerable and historically underserved communities receive fair access to recovery resources and compensation.

Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber, spoke with California Black Media about the ongoing lawsuit, recovery efforts, and the road ahead for survivors. Singleton, whose firm has represented more than 26,000 wildfire victims nationwide, discussed the scale of the destruction, the legal process, and his message of hope for residents as they begin rebuilding their lives.

Mr. Singleton, when we last spoke, the NAACP had just joined your firm to file a lawsuit on behalf of families who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire. How is that process progressing?

The cases are moving forward. It will take a process. All the cases are consolidated, and each one will be resolved individually.

How extensive was the overall destruction?

About 6,000 homes were destroyed, along with nearly 200 small multiunit buildings and hundreds of businesses. Altogether, more than 9,000 structures were lost.

What is the estimated cost of damages?

We expect total losses to reach between $10 and $12 billion, possibly higher. Not everyone files a claim — roughly 25% of affected people usually don’t — which affects the total recovery.

What’s the actual basis of your particular lawsuit?

We’re suing Southern California Edison because their equipment started the fire. There’s video evidence showing sparks on a decommissioned line that hadn’t been in service for more than 50 years. We believe Edison’s failure to maintain and inspect its equipment caused the fire.

Can homeowners without fire insurance join the lawsuit?

Absolutely. About a quarter of those affected were uninsured, often because they’d paid off their mortgages or couldn’t afford coverage. They can still seek full recovery for their losses through this case.

Has cleanup and rebuilding begun?

Cleanup is nearly complete, and about 10% of homeowners have received permits to rebuild. But labor shortages — partly due to immigration enforcement at construction sites — are driving up costs and slowing progress.

What assistance has been available to victims so far?

FEMA handled much of the cleanup and provided limited payments and rent vouchers to uninsured people. Several charities, including the Red Cross and local faith-based groups, also helped. But most large-scale federal and state aid programs have expired.

How long might this legal process take?

There are about 160 firms involved, and our trial is currently set for January 2027. We’re asking the judge to move it up to September 2026 so mediations — and hopefully settlements — can begin sooner.

Are there mental health resources for residents dealing with trauma and loss?

Some people can access therapy through insurance. For uninsured clients, we work with providers who treat them on a lien basis — meaning they’ll be paid from lawsuit proceeds. It’s not a perfect system, but it ensures people can get help now.

What message do you have for families still struggling to recover?

The first year after a fire like this is the hardest. People are just now feeling the full emotional weight of what they’ve lost. But once rebuilding begins, hope returns. My message is: hold on. The community will be largely rebuilt, your life will get back on track, and you will put a lot of this behind you.