"In January, the Eaton fire destroyed more than 9,000 buildings and led to 19 deaths in Los Angeles County. Estimates predict the fire caused billions of dollars in damages. The U.S. Department of Justice and groups of victims have filed more than 40 lawsuits against Southern California Edison, the utility that powers the area. Some of those suits cite evidence that shows sparks and fire were seen shortly after 6 p.m. on high power transmission lines near Eaton Canyon."
"Distribution lines in Altadena malfunctioned before a fire started on transmission lines near Eaton Canyon. Malfunctions, or "faults," on the distribution lines can happen when falling tree limbs or poles touch the lines, said Bob Marshall, the CEO of Whisker Labs, a private company that tracks electrical malfunctions to warn people about house fires. Electricity jumping into the air in the form of a spark or arc at points of contact can melt metal parts of the electrical infrastructure that can fall to the ground and ignite wildfires."
In January the Eaton fire destroyed more than 9,000 buildings, killed 19 people and caused estimated billions in damages. The U.S. Department of Justice and victims filed over 40 lawsuits against Southern California Edison. Sparks and fire were observed shortly after 6 p.m. on high-voltage transmission lines near Eaton Canyon. Altadena, miles from Eaton Canyon, was heavily damaged. Distribution lines in Altadena malfunctioned as early as 11 a.m., and firefighters responded repeatedly throughout the day to power-line problems. Distribution faults from falling limbs or poles can produce arcs that melt infrastructure and drop igniting parts. SoCal Edison did not de-energize most Altadena circuits.
Read at www.npr.org
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