Utility Company Clears Its Name in Devastating Wildfire Investigation
Southern California Edison, the parent company of the utility giant, has released a statement denying any electrical anomalies from its equipment in the hours leading up to the devastating Eaton Fire in the Los Angeles area. According to CEO Pedro Pizarro, four transmission lines in the Eaton Canyon area showed no signs of interruptions or anomalies in the 12 hours prior to the fire’s start time.
A Thorough Investigation Underway
Pizarro emphasized the company’s commitment to transparency as they continue to investigate the cause of the fire. “There may be some other mechanism here. Unfortunately, we have not been able to get up close to the lines yet,” he said. The CEO’s comments come as Edison International shares plummeted 11% and hit a fresh 52-week low intraday, amidst ongoing wildfires in Southern California.
The Devastating Impact of the Eaton Fire
The Eaton Fire, the second-largest of the three ongoing blazes, has claimed at least 17 lives, burned through more than 14,000 acres, and destroyed or damaged thousands of structures since it began last Tuesday. The fire is currently 33% contained.
Lawsuit Filed Against Southern California Edison
Following Pizarro’s statement, a lawsuit was filed against the company’s southern California subsidiary by a group of residents and business owners who allege the utility’s power lines sparked the fire.
Investigation into the Hurst Fire
Fire agencies are also investigating whether Southern California Edison equipment played a role in the start of the smaller Hurst Fire. Preliminary information indicates Edison equipment experienced an electrical anomaly one minute after the Hurst Fire reportedly started, according to the company. A downed powerline was also found at a tower. However, it remains unclear whether the damage happened before or after the fire started.
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