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LOS ANGELES (KCAL, KCBS) — The Los Angeles County Fire Department on Tuesday released the conclusion of an 18-month investigation into the origins of the deadly and destructive Eaton Fire, determining that electrical arcing on an out-of-service transmission tower was allegedly to blame.
The report, conducted jointly between the LACFD’s Arson Fire Investigation Unit and Cal Fire, determined that the arcing events “ejected hot metal particles that fell to the receptive fuel beds consisting of dry vegetation below the towers,” which sits on a ridge above the Eaton Wash.
“I recognize that no report or investigation into the Eaton Fire can ease the deep pain and tragedy our residents have endured,” said Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone. “While the cause has been determined, our focus remains on assisting our residents to rebuild their homes and livelihoods, and ensuring lessons learned drive meaningful and impactful change in memory of the 19 lives lost.”
The investigation took analysis of Southern California Edison electrical utility and mechanical systems into account, as well as photographic and video evidence.
Starting Jan. 7, 2025, the Eaton Fire destroyed or damaged more than 9,000 homes primarily in the Los Angeles suburb of Altadena, and also affected nearby Pasadena.
The blaze took the lives of 19 people, according to the LA County Medical Examiner.
Southern California Edison has already taken responsibility for the fire and has been running the Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program for almost one year.
“The compensation program is to fill that gap and connect people really to that final step of recovery,” an SCE representative said.
So far, more than 4,000 claims have been submitted to SoCal Edison’s wildfire recovery program, and funds totaling more than $775 million have been offered.
After the results of the investigation were shared, the plaintiffs’ liaison counsel shared a statement with CBS LA.
“For the individuals, families, and communities whose lives were forever changed by the Eaton Fire, this report is an important step toward accountability. We have maintained from the very beginning that Southern California Edison caused the Eaton Fire, and the report leaves Edison with no place to hide,” said that statement. “Throughout this litigation, we have continued to accumulate overwhelming evidence that Southern California Edison failed to properly maintain its electrical infrastructure while prioritizing profits over public safety. Even after this tragedy, Edison rewarded its CEO with a $16.6 million compensation package—a 20 percent raise—that speaks volumes about the company’s priorities. It’s time for Edison to stop fighting the victims it harmed and provide every Eaton Fire survivor with the full compensation they deserve.”
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