Southern California Edison said it was cooperating with the investigation after some claims its equipment ignited what became one of the most destructive fires in Los Angeles County history.
The accusations prompted a lawsuit filed last week in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleging that equipment was not properly secured or inspected when hurricane-force winds blew toward the area. They allege that negligence on their part led to the fire.
Attorney Richard Bridgford, who represents the homeowners in one of the lawsuits, said his firm’s own investigation showed the fire was caused by “a failure to shut off power to overhead lines across Eaton Canyon despite a red light.” “We have come to believe that the fire occurred due to SCE’s negligence.” [particularly dangerous situation] Strong wind warning. ”
In an interview with KTLA’s Annie Rose Ramos on Friday morning, SCE spokesperson David Eisenhauer said the company has not yet been able to assess the area where the fire allegedly started, but is cooperating with investigators. He said that
“It is important to understand that fire investigators are still investigating the fire and have not yet released a cause,” he said. “We are cooperating with them.”
Los Angeles, California – January 14: On January 14, 2025, the death toll has increased to 25, according to the Los Angeles Coroner in Los Angeles, California, United States. The 25th latest victim died in the Eaton fire. Already 17 people have lost their lives. (Photo credit: Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu, Getty Images)
Eisenhauer denied claims that the towers were not inspected regularly, saying the particular tower was inspected twice in 2024.
He added that the conditions the region faced that day, despite wind gusts exceeding 90 mph and low humidity, did not reach a “threshold” that would require SCE to shut down power lines.
“Weather sensors in the area did not detect winds that would meet the criteria to shut down the power lines,” Eisenhauer said, adding that SCE is investigating the possibility that the sensors were erroneous.
The lawsuit alleges SCE was responsible and an investigation has been launched, but no fire agency has publicly disclosed the cause of the Eaton fire.
Travis Schlepp contributed to this report.
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