• Southern California Edison reports a fault on power lines associated with the Eaton Fire.
• A momentary increase in current was detected around the time the fire ignited.
• New video footage suggests a potential connection between Edison’s equipment and the fire.
• The fire has led to at least 17 fatalities and destroyed over 9,000 structures.
• SCE is cooperating with ongoing investigations and preserving evidence.

On January 7, Southern California Edison (SCE) documented a momentary increase in electrical current on its power lines coinciding with the start of the devastating Eaton Fire near Los Angeles. This fire has ravaged approximately 14,000 acres, leading to the destruction of over 9,000 buildings and claiming the lives of at least 17 individuals. Although the Los Angeles County Fire Department has not officially attributed responsibility for the blaze to SCE, the utility faces numerous lawsuits alleging that its equipment caused the fire, and its infrastructure is currently under extensive investigation.

In a recent filing with the California Public Utilities Commission, SCE indicated that a fault was detected at 6:11 PM local time, just moments before the fire was first reported at 6:18 PM. The utility explained that this fault occurred on a distant line, approximately five miles away from where the fire originated. SCE maintains that the surge in current was within design limits and did not initiate any safety triggers within its systems, a statement reported by Reuters.

Legal representatives of an Altadena resident adversely affected by the fire have released new video evidence purportedly showing electrical arcing shortly before the fire ignited, suggesting a connection to SCE's power lines. According to The Independent, these visuals depict flames emerging beneath electrical towers, giving rise to speculation about the utility's involvement in the disaster. The firm's attorneys have publicly declared the footage a compelling indication that SCE equipment initiated the blaze.

Amidst rising scrutiny, Southern California Edison has committed to preserving vital evidence. This includes various items collected from the Eaton Canyon site, notably located near their transmission towers. The court has mandated this preservation to avoid any alteration or loss of potential evidence. According to statements from SCE representative Kathleen Dunleavy, the company is dedicated to a transparent investigation process while it continues its operations to restore power to affected households in the Altadena region. Notably, as of Monday, the Eaton Fire is reported to be 99% contained, according to California's Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, but the investigation into its cause remains ongoing.

While investigations proceed, analysts suggest that the weight of accumulating evidence may indicate that SCE's equipment could play a critical role in determining the fire's origins. The future of Edison International shares remains uncertain as they were noted to be trading lower following these adverse developments. As the investigations continue, both the utility company and affected residents await clarity on the potential liability surrounding this tragic event, which has left many families devastated and the community in mourning.

For more detailed updates, refer to the articles on AP News, USA Today, and other news sources.