Initially claiming there is no evidence that the equipment is broken, Edison in Southern California is currently investigating one of the “zombie” power lines as a possible origin for the fatal Eaton fire.
According to SCE spokesman Kathleen Dunleavy, “zombie” power lines are power lines that are no longer energised.
However, surveillance footage from an Arco gas station recorded on the night of January 7th captured what appeared to be an electric arc and spark, starting from the power line in question.
The video, released by the Edelson PC law firm, shows those sparks falling down on the hillside of nearby Brassy Altadena.
Investigators told KTLA’s Sandra Mitchell he believes the “zombie” line may have been revitalized.
The law firm representing Socal Edison and the fire victims have revealed that they are starting a new phase in which they collect evidence and inspect SCE equipment in areas where the fire began.
Surveillance images taken at an Arco gas station less than a mile from where the Eton fire is believed to have been fired on January 7, 2025. (Edelson PC) Surveillance images taken on January 7, 2025 were taken at an Alco gas station less than a mile from where the Eton fire was believed to have been fired. (Edelson PC) Surveillance images taken on January 7, 2025 were taken at an Alco gas station less than a mile from where the Eton fire was believed to have been fired. (Edelson PC) Surveillance images taken on January 7, 2025 were taken at an Alco gas station less than a mile from where the Eton fire was believed to have been fired. (Edelson PC)
“That’s emotional for me,” said fire victim Jeremy Garcy after seeing surveillance footage. “It’s like being a victim of a crime and seeing it is like going back to the crime scene.”
Garcy is one of many currently involved in lawsuits against the company, including those filed by Los Angeles County. Eaton Fire killed 17 people, burned 14,000 acres and destroyed or damaged more than 10,000 structures.
For days after the fire began, the utility claimed that no “electrical or operational abnormalities” were coming from equipment in the area.
“There’s no doubt that SCE will be responsible,” Gursey said. “They are negligent and that’s shown.”
Dunleavy said her SCE team began a new phase of the investigation on Monday.
“We use drones to capture high-quality photos of Eton Canyon towers, climb them, and do lab and engineering analysis,” explained Dunleavy.
There is no timeline as to when the survey will be completed.
Source link
