Southern California Edison reported on Monday that a “fault” on a line elsewhere in the region’s transmission network caused a brief spike in electrical current in high-voltage power cables in the area where the catastrophic Eaton Fire is thought to have begun.
The utility stated in a report with state public utilities regulators that the fault, or disturbance, was discovered at 6:11 p.m. on January 7 even though it happened miles away on a power line that does not cross Eaton Canyon. Just a few minutes later, at 6:18 p.m., authorities got the first reports of a wind-fueled fire that started in the canyon.
“The fault on this geographically distant line caused a momentary and expected increase in current on SCE’s transmission system, including on the four energized lines” in Eaton Canyon, the utility stated. “The current increase remained within the design limits and operating criteria for these circuits and, as intended, did not trigger system protection on these lines.”
Investigations are still ongoing to determine what caused the Eaton Fire to rage down the canyon and decimate the foothill towns of Altadena and Pasadena. Residents’ cameras captured the flames illuminating the base of one of Southern California Edison’s electrical towers huddled on a hillside as hurricane-force Santa Ana winds ripped across the area, putting the utility at the heart of a wave of carelessness and wrongful death claims.
The transmission lines in Eaton Canyon were not turned off because those towers are more powerful and can withstand higher winds, even though the company claimed to have de-energized the power distribution lines that supply residences in the region roughly two hours prior to the Eaton Fire.
Over the weekend, new footage surfaced that was received by Southern California Edison’s lawsuit attorney, Edelson PC, from a nearby gas station surveillance camera around the time of the fire. The video allegedly shows sparks and electrical arcs coming from a transmission tower in Eaton Canyon, followed by the orange glow of flames ten minutes later.
The utility informed state regulators in its filing on Monday that it is analyzing the video to determine whether there is a relationship.
“While our preliminary investigation uncovered no obvious damage to SCE’s facilities, based in part upon this new video and statements made by plaintiffs’ counsel claiming damage, we continue to assess the condition of our equipment in Eaton Canyon,” the company stated.
According to utility officials, some plaintiffs “have requested that the transmission lines attached to the transmission towers be lowered for further visual inspection and remain de-energized until that can be accomplished.” They also stated that they are keeping materials at the tower site as requested by the various lawsuits.
The utility added, “This is a complex request due to the challenging terrain and lack of accessibility in this area,” and that efforts to bring electricity back to Altadena houses are ongoing.
After Altadena homeowner Evangeline Iglesias, a plaintiff in a lawsuit, accused the utility of preparing to dispose of damaged distribution equipment that might contain information about the cause of the fire, a judge ordered evidence to be saved.
The founder of Edelson PC, which is Iglesias’s attorney, Jay Edelson, said in a statement regarding the gas station security tape, “It’s only by sheer luck this footage exists.” At trial, he continued, there will be evidence that “we believe will prove why this arcing occurred.”
“Our hearts are with our communities during the devastating fires in Southern California, and we remain committed to supporting them through this difficult time,” the utility has previously stated in response to the complaints. A request for comment on Tuesday was not immediately answered.
The numerous wildfires that broke out in the Los Angeles area this month have destroyed thousands of houses, caused billions of dollars in damage, and claimed the lives of at least 29 people. As of Tuesday, fire officials reported that the Eaton Fire, which had consumed over 14,000 acres, was 99% contained.