The Eaton Fire in the foothills of Eaton Canyon in Los Angeles County started near a cluster of transmission towers, but the exact source remains under investigation. Three lawsuits have been filed against Southern California Edison, alleging negligence in not de-energizing power equipment in the area. The fire has burned over 14,110 acres, leading to at least 16 deaths. The potential role of the transmission lines in starting the fire is being scrutinized, with comparisons to previous incidents, such as the 2018 Camp Fire, caused by electrical transmission lines owned by PG&E.
Experts emphasize the challenges and decision-making process involved in de-energizing transmission lines to prevent wildfires while maintaining power supply to millions of people. The investigation into the Eaton Fire will focus on the condition of the transmission towers and whether they may have caused the blaze. Southern California Edison is taking measures to assess and upgrade transmission lines to mitigate wildfire risks.
Residents affected by the fire recount harrowing experiences of evacuation and loss, highlighting the destructive power of wildfires. Videos and images captured by residents show the rapid spread of the fire from the transmission towers, leading to evacuations and destruction of homes. The incident underscores the importance of wildfire prevention measures and the need for ongoing assessment and maintenance of power infrastructure to prevent similar disasters in the future.
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