Rita and Terry Pyburn are lifelong Altadena residents — and they are determined to keep it that way.
Even after the Eaton Fire transformed their neighborhood, the Pyburns knew they were going to rebuild, and with help from Southern California Edison’s Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program, that work is now underway.
Attorney Ben Crump and the Pyburns speaking about their experience with SCE's Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program on March 5, 2026.
The Program helps eligible community members impacted by the Eaton Fire receive fair resolutions and fast payments. Since the couple has legal representation, their lawyer helped submit a claim on their behalf.
“SCE made an offer from their program, and we felt it was fair, especially for our family; and so we were happy,” said Rita. “We are in the process of rebuilding, and now we know we have the resources to take care of anything that might come up in the process.”
The Pyburns are one of more than 100 clients that Attorney Ben Crump is representing to help navigate compensation options.
While no two cases are the same, he believes SCE’s program offers fast and fair resolutions for impacted residents.
“Everyone's personal situation is different, but any lawyer will tell you — settling a matter with certainty is certainly more advisable than when you don't have certainty,” Attorney Crump said. “And for the Pyburns, this offer was very fair.”
The Pyburns' budding construction is a symbol of hope for them after a year of hardship.
“We miss our neighbors, and some of them have already said they won't be back, but we’re looking forward to the neighbors that are coming back, reuniting and seeing our city come back alive,” said Terry.
Q&A with Attorney Crump:
Q: What were your initial thoughts on SCE’s Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program?
A: We had some skepticism at first, but we have been working with SCE day and night to get it right. The only thing we wanted to do was make sure the offers were going to be fair, and we are grateful that SCE has offered payments that my clients think are fair.
Q: Why is receiving financial relief quickly important?
A: Getting an offer quickly is important because it helps our clients get the help they need, sooner rather than later. And litigation can be very lengthy.
Q: What advice do you have for anyone impacted, who is considering their options?
A: Every circumstance is unique to those families, so try to listen and learn. And if it's right for you, then by all means engage in the process. I pray that SCE would continue to listen to the families, and the families will continue to listen to see if there's a path to resolution, because I think everybody has the same goal — helping Altadena rebuild.
While the Program’s streamlined application allows for participation without an attorney, to date, about one-third of claims have been submitted by an attorney or authorized representative. Claimants represented by counsel, at the time they submit a claim, are compensated for 20% of net damages in a settlement offer to apply toward legal expenses.
For more information on SCE’s Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program or to file a claim, visit sce.com/directclaims.
Communications for this program are funded by ratepayers to support impacted SCE customers.
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