High-voltage power lines experienced a surge in electrical current near Eaton Canyon, where the deadly Eaton Fire started, following a fault on a line elsewhere in the region’s transmission network. Southern California Edison detected the fault minutes before the fire began, but it did not trigger system protection on the lines in Eaton Canyon. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with lawsuits being filed against the utility.
New video footage shows electrical arcs and sparking from a transmission tower in Eaton Canyon around the time the fire started. The utility is reviewing the video and assessing any potential connection to the fire. Some plaintiffs have requested that the transmission lines be lowered and inspected, but the terrain in the area makes this a challenging task. The utility is still working to restore power to homes in Altadena.
At least 29 people have died in multiple wildfires in the Los Angeles area this month, with the Eaton Fire being 99% contained as of Tuesday. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with the utility facing accusations of negligence. Southern California Edison is working to preserve materials at the scene and is committed to supporting the communities impacted by the devastating fires.
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