A preliminary analysis by utility company, Southern California Edison, reveals new information about what happened on the day one of the devastating Los Angeles fires was ignited. This comes as evidence also emerges alleging the company played a role in starting the deadly Eaton Fire.
Southern California Edison, California’s second-largest power provider, has been accused in multiple lawsuits of negligence for allegedly failing to de-energize its electrical lines despite warnings. Plaintiffs claim the inaction contributed to starting the blaze.
Attorneys suing the utility have released video purportedly showing electrical sparking at one of its transmission towers near the suspected origin of the Eaton Fire. Southern California Edison has confirmed it is reviewing the footage.
The Eaton Fire, which began Jan. 7, burned over 14,000 acres in Los Angeles County. It resulted in 17 fatalities and the destruction or damage of more than 10,000 structures. It’s now California’s second-most destructive and fifth-deadliest wildfire.
According to Southern California Edison, a data review showed a “momentary and expected increase in current” on its energized lines the night the fire started. The company says the increase remained within design limits, did not trigger the system’s protective mechanisms and was miles away from where the fire is suspected to have originated.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department is investigating the cause of the fire. The department asked Southern California Edison to preserve its transmission facilities near the suspected fire origin. The utility stated it is cooperating with authorities and has been collecting evidence from the site.