Investigation finds Southern California Edison tower sparked deadly Eaton fire in Altadena
A joint report by Cal Fire and Los Angeles County Fire officials concluded that an out-of-service Southern California Edison transmission tower caused the January 2025 Eaton fire that killed 19 people and destroyed much of Altadena.
A joint investigation by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Los Angeles County Fire Department determined that an out-of-service Southern California Edison transmission tower was the source of the electrical arcing that ignited the Eaton fire on Jan. 7, 2025. The fire, driven by strong Santa Ana winds, burned more than 14,000 acres, destroyed over 9,400 structures and claimed 19 lives.
The report, released after an 18-month review with electrical and metallurgical experts, cites eight violations of state criminal and public-utility codes tied to the utility, though specific details remain redacted pending a district-attorney review.
Southern California Edison said it is reviewing the findings. > "We have taken our potential role in the start of this fire seriously from the beginning," spokesperson Dave Eisenhauer said, adding that the company’s Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program will continue to support the Altadena community.
Attorney Mira Hashmall, representing Los Angeles County in a separate lawsuit against the utility, said the report confirms the utility’s responsibility for the blaze. Rep. Judy Chu, whose district includes Altadena, called the findings a step toward accountability and urged the utility to aid rebuilding efforts.
The investigation highlighted video evidence showing two rapid electrical arcing events at the tower, which ignited dry brush within seconds and led to a 24-day fire that became one of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles County history.