Report Blames Edison Equipment for Deadly Eaton Fire

An 18-month investigation by Los Angeles County fire officials has determined that the deadly Eaton Fire, which killed 19 people and destroyed or damaged more than 9,000 homes and businesses in January 2025, was caused by equipment belonging to Southern California Edison (SCE). The report, released on Tuesday, found that electrical arcing events on an out-of-service SCE tower sparked the dry brush below, igniting a conflagration that engulfed areas of the San Gabriel Mountains, Altadena, Pasadena, Sierra Madre and La Cañada Flintridge.

The blaze burned for nearly a month, scorching 22 square miles (57 sq km) before it was fully contained. The report cited an interview with a Pasadena resident who called 911 on January 7 after spotting flames across the canyon from his home’s rear window. The caller described it as a 10in x 10in fire at the base of a high-voltage electrical tower, according to the report.

The investigation, conducted by L.A. County Fire Department's arson unit alongside Cal Fire, concluded that two electrical arcing events occurred in quick succession on an out-of-service SCE transmission line, causing burning material to fall into the dry brush below. Within 12 seconds, the fire ignited and developed into a conflagration that ultimately burned more than 14,000 acres.

Kathleen Dunleavy, a spokesperson for Southern California Edison, acknowledged that the utility has taken its potential role in the start of this fire seriously from the very beginning. She said SCE previously acknowledged it was likely their equipment was associated with the ignition of the Eaton Fire. The utility continues to support the community as it recovers.

The report lists eight violations of state criminal and public utility codes tied to SoCal Edison, but these details were redacted pending review by the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office. Despite acknowledging its potential role in igniting the fire, SCE has denied full responsibility in court while offering an opt-in compensation program for victims.

SoCal Edison has claimed in lawsuits earlier this year that Los Angeles County agencies failed to send timely evacuation warnings to residents in east and west Altadena. Eighteen of the 19 people who died in the fire lived in west Altadena. The utility also claims water agencies, including Pasadena Water and Power, did not provide enough water as the fire spread, leaving firefighters with limited resources.

A consultant's report reviewed L.A. County firefighting commanders' decision-making during the Eaton Fire and concluded that evacuation alerts were handled properly, despite residents feeling left in the dark. The Eaton Fire was one of several that broke out during an extreme Santa Ana wind event, igniting just hours after the deadly Palisades fire.

Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park), whose district includes Altadena, called for SCE to take full responsibility and help communities rebuild. She also urged President Trump and congressional Republicans to unlock federal disaster aid requested by California, calling it crucial for the long road to recovery.

The Palisades Fire, which ignited on the same day as the Eaton Fire, stretched over 23,000 acres and killed 12 people while destroying nearly 7,000 structures. Federal prosecutors allege this fire was intentionally set by a suspect identified in October 2025. The case resulted in a mistrial in June after 10 of the 12 jurors leaned toward a not guilty verdict.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the latest investigative report to determine if criminal charges are warranted against SCE. Nearly 1,000 lawsuits have been filed against SoCal Edison from families of the deceased and those who lost their homes in the fire. In response, the company filed its own countersuit accusing Los Angeles County, local water agencies, and the Southern California Gas Company of failing to warn residents about or prevent the spread of the fire.