Southern California Edison Investigates Link Between Power Line Surge and Fatal Eaton Fire
Southern California Edison (SCE) reported a temporary surge in electrical current on high-voltage power lines in the area where the deadly Eaton Fire is believed to have originated. The surge was linked to a “fault” on a transmission line elsewhere in the region’s network, the utility explained on Monday.
The disturbance, which occurred several miles away from Eaton Canyon, was detected at 6:11 p.m. on January 7, just minutes before authorities were notified of the fire at 6:18 p.m. SCE filed this information with state public utilities regulators, noting that while the fault occurred far from Eaton Canyon, it led to a brief increase in electrical current, including on the four active lines in the canyon.
SCE clarified that the surge was within the system’s design limits and did not trigger any protective measures, as expected. However, the cause of the Eaton Fire, which swept through the canyon and devastated the communities of Altadena and Pasadena, remains under investigation.
Southern California Edison Faces Scrutiny Amid Lawsuits and Public Outcry
SCE is at the center of multiple negligence and wrongful death lawsuits in connection with the Eaton Fire. Eyewitness videos taken by residents show flames near one of SCE’s electrical towers on a hillside as fierce Santa Ana winds raged through the area.
While the utility de-energized the power distribution lines serving homes in the area approximately two hours before the fire began, the transmission lines running through Eaton Canyon remained active. These towers are designed to withstand higher wind speeds, unlike the distribution lines.
New Evidence Emerges: Gas Station Footage Raises Concerns
Over the weekend, new surveillance footage surfaced from a nearby gas station. The footage, obtained by Edelson PC— the law firm suing SCE—appears to show electrical arcs and sparking from a transmission tower in Eaton Canyon just minutes before the fire began. The video also shows an orange glow, believed to be flames, appearing shortly afterward.
In its filing to state regulators, SCE confirmed it is reviewing the new footage to explore any potential connection to the fire. The utility added that its initial investigation had not found any clear damage to its equipment, but that the company continues to assess the situation in light of this new evidence.
Legal Action: Preservation of Evidence and Demands for Further Inspection
As the investigation unfolds, legal teams have requested that SCE preserve materials at the scene of the transmission towers. Some plaintiffs have even asked for the transmission lines to be lowered for additional inspection. However, due to the difficult terrain, the utility has expressed that fulfilling this request is complex.
A judge recently ordered SCE to preserve potential evidence after Altadena resident Evangeline Iglesias, a plaintiff in one of the lawsuits, accused the utility of planning to dispose of equipment that could offer clues about the fire’s cause.
Jay Edelson, founder of Edelson PC, emphasized the significance of the gas station footage, stating that it was “only by sheer luck” that the video existed. He added that there would be additional evidence presented at trial that could explain the arcing seen in the footage.
SCE’s Response and Ongoing Investigation
SCE has reiterated that it is committed to supporting affected communities during this difficult time, saying, “Our hearts remain with our communities during the devastating fires in Southern California.” A spokesperson for the utility, David Eisenhauer, said the gas station footage would require “careful analysis,” and the investigation would continue transparently.
As of Tuesday, the Eaton Fire was 99% contained, having burned over 14,000 acres. Tragically, at least 29 people have died as a result of multiple wildfires in the Los Angeles area this month, which have caused widespread destruction and billions of dollars in damage.
About The Author
