Video Adds to Scrutiny of Edison Tower as Possible Site of Origin for Eaton Fire
New Evidence Emerges
A video offers new evidence suggesting the massive Eaton fire may have been ignited at a Southern California Edison transmission tower just moments after flashes of blue and white light flared near the electrical equipment.
Residents Share Videos and Photos
Over the last few weeks, residents who live near the line have shared videos and photos of large flames at the base of the tower in Eaton Canyon just as the fire was getting started after 6 p.m. on January 7. Those residents told The Times they were convinced that is how the fire — which killed 17 people and destroyed more than 9,000 structures — was sparked.
Edelson PC Releases Edited Video
On Sunday, one of the law firms suing Edison, Edelson PC, released an edited video they said appears to show blue arcing in the canyon. The video, taken less than a mile from the suspected ignition point of the fire, shows the strong winds whipping through the area, and in the distance, light flashing on the dark hillside. The lights flash suddenly. Attorneys for Edelson PC, allege the video shows arcing, and sparks falling onto the dry hillside. A few minutes after the flashes of light, the hillside begins to burn.
Edison’s Response
A spokesperson for Edison did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding this new video. Edison officials have said they do not believe their electrical equipment was responsible for the fire, and that early inspections of the equipment showed no signs of arcing or power anomalies.
Investigation Ongoing
Investigators with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection have declined to comment on their probe. But a Cal Fire investigator told The Times on January 11 that the area around the transmission line was closed off because of an investigation “into the start of the Eaton fire.” An official cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Attorney’s Statement
“This is the clearest and most damning evidence yet — real-time video from a gas station security camera showing Southern California Edison’s power lines igniting the fire,” said Jay Edelson, founder of the law firm Edelson PC, in a statement. “It’s only by sheer luck this footage exists.”
Cost of the Fire
The Eaton fire was fueled by intense winds that pushed flames from Eaton Canyon west into neighborhoods across Altadena, flattening larger swaths of the community. In a statement, Edison had previously said that distribution lines immediately west of Eaton Canyon were de-energized well before the fire started. However, the utility company also has transmission lines on the east side of the canyon that remained powered.
Wildfire Fund
Much of the cost could be absorbed by the state’s Wildfire Fund but still could prove costly for Edison if the fire was sparked by the utility’s electrical equipment. Attorneys suing the company have asked a judge to order the company to preserve data and equipment. Last week, a judge approved a temporary restraining order, telling Edison to preserve evidence and equipment near the suspected origin of the fire and in a 1-square-mile area in eastern Altadena.
Edison’s Response to Request to Inspect Wires
Alexander Robertson, whose firm Robertson & Associates has filed suit against Edison, said his firm has requested to inspect the wires because the aluminum strands can be examined for damage, pointing to arcing. Robertson said Edison attorneys told him arrangements to lower the wires could take months, which he called “unacceptable.”
Conclusion
The video released by Edelson PC adds to the evidence pointing to the transmission tower as the possible site of origin for the Eaton fire. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen whether Edison’s electrical equipment was responsible for the devastating blaze.
FAQs
* What is the suspected site of origin for the Eaton fire?
+ The suspected site of origin is a Southern California Edison transmission tower in Eaton Canyon.
* What is the evidence suggesting the fire was sparked at the transmission tower?
+ Residents have shared videos and photos of large flames at the base of the tower, and an edited video released by Edelson PC appears to show blue arcing in the canyon.
* Has Edison responded to the new evidence?
+ A spokesperson for Edison did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the new video.
* What is the cost of the fire?
+ The cost of the fire is believed to be in the billions, with much of it potentially absorbed by the state’s Wildfire Fund.
