Investigation of Southern California Edison’s Role in Hurst Fire
Fire agencies are currently looking into whether Southern California Edison’s utility equipment may have had a hand in sparking the Hurst fire near Sylmar. The company revealed that a downed conductor was found at a tower close to the fire, but they are uncertain if the damage occurred before or after the fire started. This uncertainty has prompted fire agencies to launch an investigation into whether SCE equipment was involved in the fire’s ignition.
The Investigation Unfolds
As the investigation progresses, Capt. Adam Vangerpen of the Los Angeles Fire Department has confirmed a “unified investigation” involving various fire and law enforcement agencies. However, details regarding the investigation remain scarce at this time. The Hurst fire, which erupted near Diamond Road in Sylmar on Tuesday, has scorched nearly 800 acres, according to the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. By Sunday, the fire was 89% contained, and evacuation orders had been lifted. Despite this progress, firefighting efforts continued with a focus on public safety and structure protection.
Continued Efforts and Concerns
Even as the fire reaches containment, SCE has received notices from insurance companies’ attorneys to preserve evidence regarding the Eaton fire, which has ravaged over 14,100 acres and caused devastation in Altadena. The fire was reported to be 27% contained as of Sunday morning. An independent analysis shared with The Times indicated a significant increase in faults on the power grid near three major Los Angeles County fires—Hurst, Eaton, and the Palisades fire—in the hours leading up to the fires. These faults, often caused by damaged or downed power lines, can potentially ignite sparks that lead to wildfires.
Historical Context and Accountability
The utility sector has a troubling history of being linked to wildfires, particularly in California, resulting in hefty fines and legal actions. In 2021, SCE agreed to pay $550 million in fines and penalties related to multiple devastating fires, including the Thomas, Woolsey, Rye, Meyers, and Liberty fires. These fires collectively burned over 380,000 acres and destroyed countless homes. Similarly, in 2019, Pacific Gas & Electric Co. agreed to a $13.5 billion settlement with victims of various Northern California wildfires that claimed lives and properties, such as those in wine country in 2017 and the town of Paradise in 2018.
In light of these events, the ongoing investigation into Southern California Edison’s potential role in the Hurst fire is critical for understanding the causes of these destructive wildfires and holding accountable those responsible for their ignition. The safety and well-being of communities affected by these fires should remain paramount as authorities work towards preventing future tragedies.