When disaster strikes on such a large scale, pinpointing a responsible party becomes a complex task. It often involves multiple factors coming into play. In the case of the LA wildfires, a spotlight has been cast on a major energy company, with ongoing investigations looking into their possible involvement. Though they might not hold full responsibility, their link to one of the fires is under scrutiny.
Southern California Edison, a branch of Edison International, reported an incident on January 7th involving a short-circuit in their grid. This coincided with the onset of the Hurst Fire.
The Hurst Fire has ravaged over 800 acres of land. The issue, as admitted by the company, stemmed from a problematic conductor found on the Eagle Rock Sylmar 220 kV circuit.
According to the company’s statement, “On January 10th, Southern California Edison (SCE) filed an Electric Safety Incident Report (ESIR) pertinent to the Hurst Fire after fire agencies began investigating potential involvement of SCE equipment in its ignition. This inquiry triggered a need for reporting.”
SCE provided details stating that the fire was first reported around 10:10 PM on January 7th and that preliminary data shows a relay event on the Eagle Rock – Sylmar 220 kV circuit at 10:11 PM.
They continued by noting, “A downed powerline was identified near a tower linked to the Eagle Rock – Sylmar 220 kV circuit.”
In their review, SCE could not confirm if the known damages occurred prior to or following the fire’s start.
It’s also worth noting that the company observed no system interruptions or operational anomalies in the twelve hours leading up to the reported fire start, nor in the hour following it.
Following these events, the company has witnessed a downturn in stock market performance, and has pledged $1 million toward recovery efforts.
Edison International’s president and CEO, Pedro J. Pizarro stated: “We are committed to supporting nonprofits that deliver crucial services to our customers and employees, and we are thankful for the contributions from other Southern California companies that have joined in aiding our communities during this challenging time.
“Their collective actions showcase the fortitude and tenacity of our region, and we stand proud beside them in assisting those in distress.
“Serious equipment damage and limited access in wildfire-stricken areas could result in extended power restoration times, ranging from days to weeks in certain cases.
“Thousands of SCE employees and contractors, along with assisting crews, are working tirelessly, 24-hours a day, to reinstate power.
“We deeply commend the unwavering commitment of SCE’s workforce and the assisting teams working diligently to support our communities through these trying times.”
