A lawsuit claims that Southern California Edison is to blame for sparking the Eaton Fire near Los Angeles. Attorneys say a newly surfaced video shows sparks from an electrical tower that ignited the dry hillside within minutes.
Key Facts:
- The lawsuit was filed by Altadena resident Evangeline Iglesias, who alleges SCE ignored strong warnings and kept its power equipment running.
- Surveillance video shared by Edelson PC founder Jay Edelson appears to show sparks on an SCE tower, followed by flames.
- Within 10 minutes, the entire hillside was engulfed in fire.
- SCE has turned over documents to the law firm, though they were labeled “Confidential.”
- A court order now allows attorneys to inspect the power lines and gather more evidence over the next 21 days.
The Rest of The Story:
Lawyers for Edelson PC believe that the sparks caught on camera are compelling proof that SCE’s equipment triggered the deadly blaze.
Jay Edelson told Fox News Digital they acted quickly to preserve possible evidence and prevent any destruction of materials that may shed light on the fire’s origin.
We've obtained video that indicates the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles started after an apparent arc on SoCal Edison lines. We're back in Court for a hearing tomorrow fighting to make sure that SoCal Edison keeps all the evidence that we will put before a jury in this case.… pic.twitter.com/dihnMMQu3Z
— Edelson PC (@edelsonpc) January 26, 2025
The Los Angeles Police Department confirms it is aware of the footage but offered no additional comment.
Altadena resident Iglesias asserts in her legal complaint that SCE could have shut down its power lines during high-risk conditions but chose not to.
Her home was consumed by the flames, and she believes stronger precautions by the utility might have prevented her loss.
SCE spokespersons say it is too early to draw any conclusions from the video. They acknowledge working with investigators and sharing relevant files, but they deny any wrongdoing.
At the same time, the law firm claims over 2,000 residents have contacted them with concerns about the utility’s possible role in the fire.
Commentary:
California’s utility companies have long been tied to major wildfires that destroy communities and upend lives.
Across social media, many residents have shared images of sparks flying off power lines during fierce Santa Ana winds on the night the LA fires erupted.
Power lines in LA are sparking against trees. Citizens are attempting to call 911 and Fire Department with no answer (as instructed by Power Company).
pic.twitter.com/9pMHFsFJW8— Sarah Fields (@SarahisCensored) January 8, 2025
It is time for the state to stop shielding these utilities and require them to update their aging infrastructure. Upgrades and better safety measures are critical to protecting the public.
Equipment must be secured and modernized so that high winds and faulty lines no longer pose a danger to neighborhoods throughout California.
The Bottom Line:
Questions remain about the cause of the Eaton Fire, and the lawsuit aims to uncover the truth. As California faces more fire risks, the focus on SCE’s role could be key to future safety standards.
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