In a recent development, a California utility company has disclosed that its equipment could have triggered a minor wildfire in Los Angeles. This incident occurred on the same day as two devastating blazes that ravaged the region, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 29 lives and the destruction of numerous homes.
Southern California Edison (SCE) made a statement on Thursday, revealing that the Los Angeles Fire Department is currently conducting an investigation into the origins of the Hurst Fire. The utility company has expressed its belief that its equipment might have been responsible for igniting the blaze, which mercifully did not lead to any fatalities or property damage.
In an official submission to state utility regulators, SCE indicated that without additional evidence, they suspect their equipment could be connected to the ignition of the Hurst Fire. Furthermore, SCE is also exploring the possibility that a dormant transmission line could have been energized, potentially leading to the deadly Eaton Fire that devastated Altadena on January 7.
While maintaining that there is no conclusive proof linking their equipment to the Eaton Fire, SCE has acknowledged that fire authorities are currently looking into the matter. The Hurst Fire, which scorched approximately 1.25 square miles in the Sylmar neighborhood of Los Angeles, prompted SCE’s cooperation with investigators to facilitate a thorough examination of the circumstances.
With regards to the Eaton Fire, SCE disclosed that they are examining a video that purportedly shows electrical arcing near the fire’s point of origin. Initial investigations did not reveal any evidence of arcing, although some damage was identified on related equipment. SCE has initiated a comparison of pre- and post-fire photographs to ascertain when this damage occurred.
Despite facing multiple lawsuits alleging that their equipment initiated the Eaton Fire, SCE maintains that it is premature to draw any definitive conclusions. The utility emphasized the absence of typical indicators such as broken conductors, fresh arc marks, or signs of faults on the energized lines within the vicinity.
The Eaton Fire, which resulted in the tragic loss of at least 17 lives, was finally contained last week. Moreover, full containment was reached for the Palisades Fire, the most significant among the blazes that caused extensive destruction and claimed the lives of at least 12 individuals.
This update corrects previous misunderstandings, clarifying that Southern California Edison has suggested that its equipment might have triggered the Hurst Fire, rather than definitively asserting its responsibility for the incident.
