LOS ANGELES – A series of lawsuits filed on January 13 claim that equipment from Southern California Edison (SCE) ignited the devastating Eaton Fire, which has had catastrophic effects near Pasadena, California. With a death toll of at least 24 people attributed to the recent wildfires across the Los Angeles area, both the Eaton Fire and an additional smaller fire are under thorough investigation by teams from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

The Eaton Fire has wreaked havoc, destroying over 7,000 homes and entire neighborhoods. Attorneys representing homeowners affected by the fire assert that there is significant evidence linking the blaze to SCE's electrical equipment. Based on video footage and eyewitness accounts, the lawsuits contend, "There is clear evidence from video footage, photographs, and witness accounts that the fire was caused by electrical equipment operated by Defendants Edison International and Southern California Edison."

SCE has acknowledged the impending lawsuits but has stated that it has not yet examined the complaints. Gabriela Ornelas, a spokesperson for SCE, expressed the utility’s sympathy for the affected communities, emphasizing their commitment to ongoing assistance throughout this crisis. The company submitted a report to the California Public Utilities Commission asserting that their preliminary analysis shows no anomalies in electrical operations sufficient to induce the blaze prior to its onset.

Recent reports also indicate that a downed conductor was found near the site of a smaller fire, the Hurst Fire, which occurred in the Sylmar neighborhood simultaneously with the Eaton Fire outbreak. However, SCE remains uncertain whether the downed conductor contributed to the initiation of the fire.

In the Pacific Palisades area, residents speculate that remnants of a New Year’s Day fire could have reignited due to hurricane-force winds moving through the region during the week. During an inquiry, LAPD officials indicated that all potential causes remain under consideration. Local residents have expressed concern over the recurrence of fires in the same vicinity and have called for a thorough investigation, linking it to fireworks allegedly set off at the New Year.

The investigations into these fires could extend for months, especially with predictions of more strong winds in the forecast, heightening the risk of additional blazes. Robert Trinkkeller, a local resident who observed the January 1 fire, noted, "In my opinion, it was a rekindling of the six-day old fire. It’s the exact same place."

As the situation develops, many await further insights from authorities and the ultimate findings of the ongoing investigations.