New information has come out about SoCal Edison’s power lines as a possible cause of the Eaton fire.
State records obtained by the Los Angeles Times from SoCal Edison showed three transmission lines on towers suspected in the fire were deemed a possible “ignition risk” and “long overdue for critical upkeep.” The outlet also reported that two of the lines were active until after the fire broke out on Jan. 7.
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The paper also reported 94 open work orders since Dec. 31, seven of which were for towers on the decommissioned line. The work orders also showed the company failed to take fire prevention measures, such as clearing brush and fixing the towers.
The utility is facing dozens of lawsuits over the fire. Edison officials insist they ‘did everything possible to prevent a wildfire, but attorney Rachel Fiset, who represents plaintiffs suing Edison over the fires, told KNX News this is another indication of Edison's negligence.
“The evidence that keeps coming out really by the day, if not by the week, supports their negligence,” she said. “It supports that the fire started at these transmission towers, and it spread quickly because the area around the lines were not maintained in the manner that they needed to be maintained. “
The official cause of the fire has still not been released. In January, security video obtained by Edelson PC, one of the many law firms suing SoCal Edison, showed a flash of light near the the area where the Eaton Fire is suspected to have started. Flames are then seen.
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