Updated 3:17 p.m.
Pacific Gas and Electric was back in court Tuesday morning for a criminal arraignment in the 2018 Camp Fire, which left at least 84 people dead.
PG&E pleaded guilty to 85 felony fire and manslaughter counts connected to the company’s part in starting the fire which mostly destroyed the town of Paradise. The judge read the counts as images of fire victims appeared on a screen.
“We want this to be impactful because this can’t go on any longer,” said Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey, in an interview with the Associated Press. “There is going to have to be a sea change in PG&E’s method of operation.”
PG&E CEO Bill Johnson addressed the court before the hearing adjourned.
“I’ve heard the pain and anguish of many of the victims as I’ve visited Paradise,” Johnson said. He continued, “I sincerely hope that the actions we’re taking today will help bring some measure of peace.”
The North Butte County Superior Court set aside several days of proceedings to give dozens of victims’ family members to present impact statements to Judge Michael Deems. Victims' statements will begin Wednesday.
In a press release, Ramsey says the court will have little to no public seating due to COVID-19 restrictions. The court proceedings start at 8 a.m. Wednesday through Friday and will be streamed live here.
Ramsey plans on releasing his office’s investigation report into the Camp Fire Tuesday afternoon at a 2 p.m. press conference.
Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the date victims would give statements. That begins Wednesday.
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