LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California Edison (SCE) announced on February 6, 2025, that its equipment may have ignited the Hurst Fire in Los Angeles. This fire coincided with two larger wildfires in the area that resulted in at least 29 fatalities and widespread destruction of homes.
- Southern California Edison equipment may have sparked Hurst Fire.
- Hurst Fire caused no deaths or major damage.
- Investigations ongoing for Eaton Fire's cause.
- Video shows potential electrical arcing near Eaton Fire.
- Multiple lawsuits filed against Southern California Edison.
- Eaton Fire resulted in at least 17 fatalities.
The Hurst Fire scorched approximately 1.25 square miles around Sylmar but did not result in any injuries or structural damage. In a filing with state regulators, SCE stated it believes its equipment could be linked to the ignition of this fire, pending further evidence from ongoing investigations by the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The utility is also scrutinizing whether an idle transmission line might have sparked the Eaton Fire, which led to at least 17 deaths and devastated parts of Altadena. Although SCE has acknowledged some damage was found on related equipment near where the Eaton Fire started, they maintain there is currently no conclusive evidence linking their equipment to this incident.
- The Hurst Fire occurred on January 7, 2025.
- SCE’s investigation includes reviewing video footage showing possible electrical arcing from a tower.
- Lawsuits against SCE claim their equipment caused the Eaton Fire; however, SCE asserts it’s too early for such conclusions.
As investigations continue into both fires, SCE has committed to cooperating fully with authorities. The recent wildfires underscore ongoing concerns regarding utility infrastructure and wildfire risks in California.
This situation highlights significant challenges faced by utilities amid increasing wildfire threats and emphasizes the need for rigorous safety measures and infrastructure assessments moving forward.
