By Redacción
redaccion@latinocc.com
Southern California Edison (SCE) acknowledged Thursday that its equipment likely ignited the Hurst Fire, a small blaze that broke out the same day as two massive wildfires ravaged the Los Angeles area, killing at least 29 people and destroying thousands of homes.
The utility’s admission came in a required filing with California state regulators. While the Hurst Fire did not cause any deaths or destroy structures, SCE stated that it believes its equipment may have been involved in the fire’s ignition.
“Absent additional evidence, SCE believes its equipment may be associated with the ignition of the Hurst Fire,” the filing said.
The Hurst Fire burned approximately 1.25 square miles (3.2 square kilometers) in the Sylmar neighborhood of Los Angeles. Although smaller than the other blazes, its cause has been under investigation, and Thursday’s statement marks the first time the company has acknowledged potential responsibility.
Edison Also Reviewing Possible Link to Deadly Eaton Fire
In a separate filing, SCE disclosed that it is investigating whether an idle transmission line may have become energized and potentially sparked the deadly Eaton Fire. However, the company maintains there is no definitive evidence linking its equipment to the fire’s ignition.
The Eaton Fire devastated Altadena, claiming the lives of at least 17 people. Firefighters fully contained the blaze last week after it burned through residential neighborhoods, forcing mass evacuations.
Meanwhile, the Palisades Fire, the largest of the three major wildfires, was also fully contained last week. That fire killed at least 12 people and left a trail of destruction, leveling entire communities.
Scrutiny on Utilities Amid Growing Wildfire Risks
Wildfires linked to power lines have become a growing concern in California, where dry conditions and high winds frequently contribute to devastating blazes. Utility companies have faced increased regulatory scrutiny following past disasters, including the 2018 Camp Fire, which Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) admitted to causing and which remains the deadliest wildfire in California history.
SCE’s acknowledgment regarding the Hurst Fire is likely to fuel further investigations into the role of utilities in California’s worsening wildfire crisis.
State and federal officials continue to assess fire mitigation strategies, including increased power line inspections, preemptive shutdowns during extreme weather, and improved vegetation management around electrical infrastructure.
For now, investigators are working to determine the precise cause of the Eaton Fire and whether SCE’s transmission lines played a role. The company has stated that it will cooperate fully with authorities.
The full impact of January’s wildfires is still being assessed, with thousands of displaced residents, ongoing damage evaluations, and a long recovery ahead for affected communities.
