While residents continue to recover from tragic losses due to the Woolsey Fire, Conejo Recreation and Park District is suing Southern California Edison for the damage the fires caused to the parks. 

James Friedl, general manager at Conejo Recreation and Park District, said in an email statement to media outlets that he cannot comment on the status of the case other than to confirm that Conejo Recreation and Park District has filed a lawsuit against Edison for damages suffered from the Woolsey Fire.

“On information and belief, the Woolsey Fire started when: electrical infrastructure owned, operated and maintained by SCE came into contact with vegetation inspected and maintained by SCE; power lines owned, operated and maintained by SCE came into contact with one another causing a spark and resulting fire to the surrounding vegetation; and/or an arcing event occurred causing a spark and resulting fire to the surrounding vegetation,” Friedl said. 

Friedl said the Woolsey Fire burned nearly 100,000 acres and destroyed over 1,500 structures. According to an article in the Ventura County Star, three people died in the fire. 

“Thousands of acres of open space burned, as well as portions of three developed park sites. There was extensive damage to what may have been the best oak grove in the entire Conejo Valley behind the Chumash Museum,” Friedl said. 

Friedl said the park district suffered millions of dollars in damages “including property damages, fire suppression, emergency response costs, economic losses such as property tax loss and loss of income.”

Administrator of Recreation and Community Services at Conejo Recreation and Park District, Rochelle Callis described how the park district was involved in helping individuals and families during the fires in an email statement. 

“Most of the community outreach took place during the evacuations when we had four locations serve as a home for many of our residents while they were not able to return home. We also had many staff that worked in the shelters during the evacuations,” Callis said.

Media Advisor of Corporate Communications at Southern California Edison Mary Ann Milbourn gave a statement attributed to the company about the legal case. 

“Our thoughts remain with all those across the state who have been affected by these devastating wildfires. We continue to work to help our customers and communities recover and rebuild from these catastrophic events. The safety of our communities is paramount, and we are taking measures to protect them from wildfire by strengthening our system, using cutting edge technology and turning off power to some areas when fire conditions warrant.”

Milbourn said because the litigation is pending, further details of the suit could not be discussed.