California Edison Faces Scrutiny Over Role in Deadly Eaton Fire

Investigators and lawsuits focus on delayed power shutoffs, equipment failures, and alleged evidence tampering as the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

• The Eaton fire, which began on January 7, 2025, killed 17 people, destroyed over 9,000 structures, and burned more than 14,000 acres in Altadena, California.
• Southern California Edison (SCE) acknowledged its equipment may have played a role in the fire, with evidence of a current surge near the origin point under investigation.
• Records show SCE delayed critical upgrades to transmission lines that experts say could have mitigated risks of fire during preemptive power shutoffs in high-wind conditions.
• Lawsuits allege SCE re-energized key transmission lines after the fire began, potentially altering evidence despite a restraining order to preserve it.
• Experts and officials highlight the challenges of balancing wildfire prevention with the risks of power shutoffs, as SCE faces growing legal and public pressure.

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