Newly obtained surveillance footage suggests that the catastrophic Eaton Fire, which has claimed 17 lives and destroyed over 9,400 structures in Altadena and Pasadena, may have been ignited by Southern California Edison’s (SCE) power lines.
The video, obtained by the law firm Edelson PC from a nearby gas station, shows what appears to be arcing and sparks falling onto a dry hillside. Moments later, a flash of light is visible, and within 10 minutes, flames spread across the hillside.
Jay Edelson, founder of Edelson PC, called the footage “the strongest evidence yet” linking the fire to an SCE transmission tower. His firm has filed a motion urging the court to preserve critical evidence, citing concerns that SCE may destroy or alter materials necessary for the investigation.
Edelson also accused SCE of misleading the public, alleging that the utility falsely claimed it had de-energized the affected lines and even attempted to blame a homeless encampment for the fire.
The LA Fire Justice group, which includes consumer advocate Erin Brockovich, released additional findings during a press briefing. Their analysis points to transmission line #3, which was reportedly energized by SCE equipment, as the origin of the fire.
SCE has confirmed receiving the footage from the New York Times and sharing it with fire investigators. However, spokesperson Kathleen Dunleavy cautioned that the footage needs further analysis and said it is too early to draw definitive conclusions.
Since erupting on Jan. 7, the Eaton Fire has:
Burned 14,021 acres,
Destroyed 9,418 structures and damaged 1,073,
Left 17 people dead and injured 9 firefighters.
Multiple lawsuits have been filed against SCE, alleging the company failed to adhere to essential fire and electrical safety standards, including proper maintenance of power lines and vegetation management.
As investigations continue, the surveillance footage may prove pivotal in determining responsibility for one of the most devastating fires in the region’s history.
