Southern California Edison CEO Admits Fault for Eaton Fire

Eaton Fire Investigation Update

• 💡 Cal Fire is still conducting the official investigation into the cause of the Eaton Fire.
• 📌 Southern California Edison (SCE) has stated that its own faulty equipment is likely to blame for sparking the fire.
• ⚠️ The company's statements have evolved from initially not believing their equipment started the fire, to considering it possible, and now likely.

Evidence and Circumstances

• 🔍 Surveillance video from an Altadena gas station may show the start of the firestorm.
• ⚡ The Eaton Fire began around 6:18 PM on January 7th in the hillsides above Eaton Canyon.
• 💨 Powerful winds, described as a major Red Flag event with life-threatening winds, drove the fire into communities like Altadena.

Power Shutoff and Equipment

• 🔌 SCE did not shut off power on some distribution lines in the area, but not on larger transmission lines.
• ⚠️ The criteria for de-energizing lines were not met, despite wind gusts reaching 63 miles per hour at 2:20 PM.
• 🏗️ Federal prosecutors sued Edison, alleging the utility's equipment sparked the wildfire, pointing to a transmission tower with a line unused since 1971.

Company's Stance on Negligence and Equipment

• ⚖️ SCE disagrees with allegations of negligence from prosecutors.
• 💰 Removing the transmission lines would incur costs for customers.
• 🔮 The company maintains that the transmission line offers optionality for future winds and they plan to maintain lines in place.

Community Impact and Reaction

• 🔥 Residents like Michelle McGee, whose home burned down, are finding it difficult to return to their properties.
• 🗣️ Community members describe the experience as traumatic and believe SCE needs to step up and take responsibility.
• 💬 Attorneys for residents state there is no evidence currently suggesting anything other than SCE's lines caused the fire.