San Diego Sues SDG&E Following October Fires

San Diego City Attorney Michael Aguirre has sued San Diego Gas & Electric in an effort to recover millions of dollars in damages caused to city property and for firefighting costs associated with last October's wildfires.

The civil complaint says SDG&E failed to take steps to prevent downed utility lines from sparking the devastating Witch Creek and Guejito fires. The lawsuit reportedly seeks to claims tens of millions of dollars.

The Witch Creek and Guejito fires, which officials say were caused by downed power lines, consumed nearly 200,000 acres, destroyed nearly 1,000 homes and 30 commercial buildings and burned more than 200 cars. SDG&E, however, said a number of factors contributed to the fires, including high winds that fueled the flames.

SDG&E, which is reportedly protected by a $1 billion insurance policy, has filed its own claim against the city.