As the Los Angeles area braces for another strong wind system this week, emergency responders continue battling devastating wildfires while authorities work to determine the causes behind the California Wildfires.
Adele Told Us About Her Daily Keto Routine That Melted 87 Pounds In just Few Weeks!
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has taken the lead in investigating the Palisades Fire, which has burned over 23,000 acres and damaged or destroyed approximately 5,000 structures as of Monday.
The Hidden Dangers of Fluoride: What You Need to Know About This Common Ingredient
Investigations and Theories
Fire officials are exploring multiple possible causes, including:
- Arson
- Rekindling of a Fireworks-Related Fire: The area experienced a fire on New Year’s Eve caused by fireworks.
- Transmission Lines or Electric Facilities: No confirmation has yet been made regarding the involvement of power equipment.
Eaton Fire: Transmission Line Scrutiny
In Altadena, where the Eaton Fire has consumed over 14,000 acres and damaged approximately 7,000 structures, investigators are examining transmission lines as a possible ignition source.
Ring cam and cellphone footage shared with media appears to show the fire starting at the base of a transmission tower. However, Southern California Edison (SCE), which owns the equipment, reported no electrical anomalies in the area prior to the fire’s start time.
Edison International stated: “No fire agency has suggested that SCE’s electric facilities were involved in the ignition or requested the removal and retention of any SCE equipment.”
However, evidence preservation notices have been issued to SCE from insurance companies regarding the Eaton Fire.
Hurst Fire: Limited Damage, High Caution
The Hurst Fire in Sylmar burned nearly 800 acres with 97% containment as of Monday. While fire agencies are investigating SCE equipment in the area, the company has not confirmed a link between the fire and its equipment.
Utility Responses & Preventative Measures
In response to the heightened fire risk, SCE has notified around 450,000 customers about potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) to prevent wildfires as wind conditions worsen.
While acknowledging the inconvenience of PSPS, Pedro Pizarro, CEO of Edison International, emphasized their importance:
“The power shutoffs we did ahead of the Eaton Fire saved lives.”
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), however, does not use PSPS, relying instead on automatic circuit reclosers to prevent re-energizing circuits during high winds.
Virginia Tech electrical engineering professor Ali Mehrizi-Sani explained the difference:
- PSPS (Preventive): Power is preemptively cut before high-risk weather to prevent ignition.
- Circuit Blocking (Reactive): Power is cut only after a disruption is detected.
Moving Forward
Investigations into the causes of all three wildfires remain ongoing. Fire officials emphasize caution, and utility companies continue working closely with authorities to assess and address fire risks as weather conditions intensify.
