PCG - PG&E to face criminal trial over deadly 2020 wildfire

A California state judge ruled Wednesday that prosecutors have enough evidence for PG&E ( NYSE: PCG ) to face trial on 11 felony and misdemeanor charges related to the 2020 Zogg Fire that killed four people and destroyed more than 200 structures.

Among the charges PG&E ( PCG ) faces are four counts of involuntary manslaughter and three counts of recklessly starting a fire; 20 charges were dismissed by the judge.

The utility pleaded not guilty to the charges last June and was scheduled for arraignment on February 15, when the judge may set a date for trial.

California fire officials have said the fire began when a pine tree fell into a PG&E ( PCG ) distribution line; the company has been blamed for starting some of California's worst wildfires through neglect of its aging power grid.

PG&E ( PCG ) recently reached a $24M settlement with 10 public entities to cover damage claims from the 2021 Dixie Fire .

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