NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Eaton Fire in central Los Angeles County poses a potential credit risk to power provider Southern California Edison, which operates electrical lines in the area where the destructive blaze first started, Moody's Ratings said in a report on Thursday.

The family of an Eaton fire victim is suing Southern California Edison for wrongful death, alleging that the utility company's negligence is to blame for the devastating blaze that killed 59-year-old Evelyn McClendon.

Southern California Edison is being sued by residents and businesses impacted by the Eaton Fire, who allege the Los Angeles utility's equipment may have started the deadly blaze. The big picture: It's among multiple wildfires that have erupted across the L.

SCE faces lawsuits for alleged negligence contributing to the Eaton Fire's ignition, which caused destruction and fatalities.

Altadena residents said in separate lawsuits that the utility’s electrical equipment had sparked the fire, which grew to consume 14,000 acres.

The lawsuits claim SoCal Edison did not shut off power to its electrical equipment despite warnings of high winds and fire danger. SoCal Edison says it is reviewing circuits and transmission lines in the Eaton Canyon area,

Attorneys are suing Southern California Edison, alleging the utility company's negligence caused the deadly Eaton and Palisades fires.