Southern California Edison Transmission Tower May Have Ignited Deadly Eaton Fire

Introduction

A newly released video offers compelling evidence suggesting that the catastrophic Eaton fire, which killed 17 people and destroyed over 9,000 structures, may have been sparked by a Southern California Edison (SCE) transmission tower. The footage appears to show flashes of blue and white light near the electrical equipment just moments before the fire began on January 7.

Residents’ Testimonies and Initial Findings

Over the past few weeks, local residents have shared videos and photos of large flames at the base of the transmission tower located in Eaton Canyon, just as the fire was beginning around 6 p.m. Many of these residents are convinced that the fire's ignition point can be traced to the area near the transmission lines.

The Edelson PC Video Evidence

On Sunday, Edelson PC, one of the law firms suing Edison, released an edited video that shows flashes of light in the canyon. Recorded less than a mile from the suspected ignition site, the video captures the winds whipping through the area, followed by intense flashes in the distance. The attorneys for Edelson PC suggest the flashes could indicate arcing, with sparks falling onto the dry hillside, sparking the fire just minutes later.

Edison’s Response and Investigations

Southern California Edison has denied that their electrical equipment was responsible for starting the fire, pointing to early inspections that found no signs of arcing or power anomalies. Meanwhile, Cal Fire investigators have yet to make an official statement on their probe into the fire’s origins, though reports confirm that the area around the transmission line has been closed off for investigation.

Edison’s Wind Criteria and Weather Data

While Edison has maintained that winds were not severe enough to warrant de-energizing the transmission lines, the National Weather Service recorded wind gusts of 59 mph at the Eaton Canyon monitoring site, just before the fire began. Gusts up to 70 mph were recorded shortly after the fire started, raising questions about the adequacy of Edison’s wind thresholds for line de-energization.

Ongoing Legal Battles and Lawsuits

At least 20 lawsuits have been filed against Edison, accusing the company of sparking the fire that consumed over 14,000 acres and destroyed nearly 9,500 structures. As the case develops, fire officials, Edison, residents, and attorneys are all focused on determining the cause of the fire, with attorneys pressing for the preservation of key evidence, including the transmission lines.

The Cost and Consequences

The massive scale of destruction caused by the Eaton fire has raised the stakes significantly, with the financial toll expected to be in the billions. While the state’s Wildfire Fund may absorb some of the costs, Edison could face significant liability if the fire is confirmed to have been caused by its equipment. Legal proceedings will continue as investigations into the fire’s origins unfold.