Eaton Fire survivors on Thursday unveiled their proposal for a compensation program by Southern California Edison.
The utility is preparing to start a claims program for homeowners, tenants and businesses impacted by the deadly blaze that destroyed more than 9,400 structures in Altadena and nearby areas.
The Eaton Fire Survivors Network presented a proposal to help ensure the SCE claims program is “fair, transparent and inclusive,” according to an announcement from the community group.
“Some of us will pursue litigation, others hope for early settlement, but we share one goal: help shape a plan that is fair, reasonable, and sufficient to move rebuilding forward — and that especially protects those most at risk of being left behind or pressured into inadequate offers,” according to an EFSN report on the forthcoming compensation program.
The 51-page report titled “Fix What You Broke” compiles personal accounts from over 200 area residents, workers and business owners.
The report noted that following the five most destructive wildfires in the state, 38% of homes were rebuilt within five years mainly because of timely insurance payments and payments from a utility if such companies were at fault.
According to the EFSN, communities recovered where compensation payments were fair and timely. Slow or insufficient dollar amounts led to neighborhoods failing to recover.
“Recovery isn’t about numbers on a balance sheet, it’s about thousands of families struggling to rebuild our lives, restore our health and keep a roof (over) our heads in the meantime — and that meantime could be a very long time,” EFSN Executive Director Joy Chen said at a news conference Thursday.
“This is not about blame — it’s about fairness and reasonableness,” she added.
Currently a state investigation is testing the allegation that the fire started after an SCE tower became reenergized with electricity, sending sparks down onto dry chaparral below. The company has denied wrongdoing.
In July, SCE announced the compensation program for people whose homes, businesses or rental properties were destroyed. Coverage areas for claims include total and partial structure loss, commercial property loss, business interruption, smoke and ash, physical injury and fatalities.
“SCE’s program is designed to help them focus on their recovery, and our efforts remain on supporting the community,” Pedro J. Pizarro, president and CEO of SCE parent company Edison International, said in a statement. “While the investigation continues, inviting input on draft details is the next step in helping the community rebuild faster and stronger.”
Throughout September, the utility held workshops to inform survivors about the program and provide the public an opportunity to give feedback on the draft payment rates.
A draft report showed the company is considering payments based on square footage and extent of damage to structures.
According to one of several examples listed on the proposed program’s website, the owner of a single-family home with $1.948 million in rebuilding expenses and $1 million in insurance company payouts would receive $948,000 from SCE.
For death claims, the company would pay $1.5 million for pain and suffering and $500,000 for each surviving spouse and eligible dependent. The SCE draft report also mentions a “direct claim premium” that includes $5 million per decedent.
Critics of the program have warned that program participation requires people to forfeit the right to sue and accept a reduced settlement compared with a potentially larger court settlement.
EFSN members scheduled a news conference Thursday morning at The Good Neighbor Bar in Altadena, where they were expected to present a community response to Edison’s draft plan.
According to the organization, while Edison sought input through community sessions and an online forum many survivors believe their proposal is a more complete way to convey their experiences and needs.
The group’s final document is the product of more than 200 survivors’ stories about their experiences with fire recovery.
The Eaton Fire erupted Jan. 7 and burned throughout the month, killing 19 people and destroying over 9,414 structures. In the wake of the blaze, dozens of lawsuits have been filed against Edison.
Updated Oct. 10, 2025, 9:04 a.m.
