Edison Says Encampment Found Near Area Where Eaton Fire Started
Investigation into Cause of Fire Continues
Facing growing scrutiny over whether one of its transmission towers sparked the Eaton fire, Southern California Edison this week said that an encampment was found roughly 300 yards downhill from the tower in Eaton Canyon.
Edison’s Statement
Edison did not directly link the camp to a possible cause of the fire, and attorneys who are suing the utility expressed deep skepticism that it was involved in the fire that burned more than 7,000 homes and killed 17 people.
Cal Fire Investigation
But the revelation underscores the high-stakes maneuvering as California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection investigators try to determine exactly what caused the fire.
Early Photos and Video
Fire officials have zeroed on an electrical transmission tower in Eaton Canyon, where residents told The Times they saw the early flames of the fire at the base of the tower. Early photos and video captured by several residents confirm the first flames of the fire burned just below the tower, before racing down the canyon and blasting a torrent of embers that destroyed hundreds of homes.
Edison’s Findings
Edison said it does not believe its equipment caused the fire. It is unclear when the investigation will conclude and what other potential sources Cal Fire is examining.
Campsite Discovery
In a letter to plaintiff attorneys, reviewed by The Times, Edison said the camp included two fire rings, food and remnants of a tent.
Debris Found
Utility officials also found pieces of metal and debris near the electrical towers over Eaton Canyon, according to the letter.
Attorneys’ Reactions
Attorneys representing residents who have filed lawsuits against Southern California Edison allege witnesses saw arcing at the tower moments before the blaze. More than 20 lawsuits have been filed against the utility giant, alleging that the video and images suggest the fire was sparked by Southern California Edison’s electrical equipment.
Attorneys’ Skepticism
Attorneys from three firms representing residents who have separately sued Southern California Edison dismissed the notion that the encampment might have had anything to do with the fire’s start.
Conclusion
The investigation into the cause of the Eaton fire continues, with both sides presenting their theories and evidence. While Edison has found an encampment near the suspected start of the fire, attorneys for the residents who have filed lawsuits against the utility company remain skeptical that it was involved in the fire.
FAQs
Q: What did Edison find near the suspected start of the fire?
A: Edison found an encampment with two fire rings, food, and remnants of a tent, as well as pieces of metal and debris near the electrical towers.
Q: Did Edison link the camp to the cause of the fire?
A: No, Edison did not directly link the camp to the cause of the fire.
Q: What do attorneys for the residents who have filed lawsuits against Edison think about the encampment?
A: Attorneys for the residents remain skeptical that the encampment was involved in the fire, citing the distance between the camp and the suspected start of the fire.
Q: What is the status of the investigation into the cause of the fire?
A: The investigation is ongoing, with both sides presenting their theories and evidence.
