New Reporting Raises More Questions About Edison’s Eaton Fire Safety Practices
The New Los Angeles Times report raises additional questions about Southern California Edison’s maintenance and operating decisions before the Eaton Fire. Investigators found that fire-prevention equipment needed repair, vegetation beneath Tower 208 may not have been trimmed since at least 2021, and cited eight violations, including three involving California criminal statutes. Investigators concluded that electrical arcing on an out-of-service transmission line sent hot metal into dry vegetation and ignited the fire. Edison says it does not believe there is a basis for criminal liability and has cooperated with investigators. Separately, Spectrum News highlighted Edison’s wildfire-safety technologies, while Altadena survivors said the utility should also do more to reduce residents’ rebuilding burden.