California fire caused by electrical discharge from utility company
· UPIAug. 4 (UPI) -- The deadly Eaton Fire that devastated Southern California last year was caused by equipment from the local utility company, investigators said Tuesday.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department released the conclusion of its 18-month investigation into the origins of the fire, saying the cause of the wildfire was due to electrical arcing on an out-of-service Southern California Edison tower.
The electrical discharge fell on dry vegetation at the foot of the utility company's Eaton Canyon transmission tower.
"The fuel bed ignited approximately 12 seconds after the burning material was seen falling from the arcing event," the report said. "The Eaton Fire rapidly developed into a conflagration engulfing the areas of the San Gabriel Mountains, Altadena, Pasadena, Sierra Madre and La Canada Flintridge."
The blaze burned more than 14,000 acres, destroyed some 9,400 structures and killed 19 people.
The Eaton Fire started on Jan. 7, 2025, and took fire officials 24 days to put out.
"I recognize that no report or investigation into the Eaton Fire can ease the deep pain and tragedy our residents have endured," Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said in a statement.
"While the cause has been determined, our focus remains on assisting our residents to rebuild their homes and livelihoods, and ensuring lessons learned drive meaningful and impactful change in memory of the 19 lives lost," he added.
In October, South California Edison launched a compensation fund for survivors of the fire.
The company said it has paid more than $314 million to victims, CBS News reported.
Wildfires ravage Los Angeles County
One of the many homes destroyed by five southern California wildfires in Los Angeles County on January 8, 2025. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo