Edison Probing Retired Power Line as Possible Start of LA Eaton Fire
- Edison looking at possibility equipment was involved, CEO said
- Eaton fire destroyed more than 9,000 structures and killed 17
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Edison International’s utility is looking at whether a power line retired in 1971 started the Eaton wildfire as part of a probe into the cause of the blaze that razed more than 9,000 structures.
Southern California Edison found evidence of potential arching and other damage on grounding equipment for two of the three decommissioned transmission lines at a tower about 5 miles from the suspected origin of the blaze, according to a letter filed Thursday with regulators. The utility said it didn’t know when the damage happened and it didn’t find arching or other problems on its retired tower and lines near the fire. Still, Edison says it’s possible the retired equipment became energized.