Southern California Edison announced on February 6, 2025, that its equipment may have been involved in igniting the Hurst Fire during January’s Los Angeles firestorms. This statement was made in a filing with state utility regulators amid ongoing investigations into the cause of the fire.
- Southern California Edison admits possible fire link
- Hurst Fire burned 799 acres, no casualties
- Eaton Fire caused significant destruction, 17 deaths
- Utility company cooperating with ongoing investigations
- Videos suggest potential equipment involvement
- Correction issued on initial reporting errors
The Hurst Fire burned approximately 799 acres over eight days and was fully contained by January 16. Fortunately, it did not result in any structural damage or fatalities, according to Cal Fire.
The admission from Southern California Edison (SCE) comes as part of a required report to state regulators. Last month, SCE acknowledged that fire agencies were looking into whether its equipment could have sparked the Hurst Fire. The incident is under scrutiny as authorities continue their investigation into multiple wildfires affecting Los Angeles County.
The company stated that it has not found clear evidence linking its transmission lines to either the Hurst or Eaton Fires. Key details include:
- The Hurst Fire consumed approximately 799 acres before being contained.
- No structures were destroyed, and there were no reported injuries or fatalities.
- The Eaton Fire resulted in at least 17 deaths and devastated over 14,000 acres.
SCE’s CEO Pedro J. Pizarro expressed concern over videos suggesting a possible link between their equipment and these fires. However, he noted that initial assessments did not reveal typical indicators such as broken conductors or fresh arc marks near where the fires began. The company remains committed to cooperating with ongoing investigations led by various agencies.
This situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding utility companies’ roles in wildfires across California. As investigations progress, more information will likely emerge about potential links between utility operations and wildfire incidents.
