February 6 – More Evidence of SCE’s Role in the Fire

New evidence from drones, long-distance camera lenses and metal detectors, continues to build against Southern California Edison (SCE) as more than 40 lawsuits allege the utility’s equipment sparked the devastating Eaton Fire. Investigators hired by legal teams have zeroed in on a long-idle transmission tower labeled M16T1, which hasn’t been used since 1971. They believe the tower was somehow re-energized on the day of the fire, causing an electrical explosion—also known as arcing—just as the blaze began. Photos submitted in a new lawsuit show blackened steel and other damage, suggesting a recent electrical event. 

Edison has admitted its equipment experienced irregularities, including a spike in current on a nearby line and flashes of light observed near several towers, including M16T1. While the utility says it has not yet found obvious signs of arcing, investigators and attorneys point to evidence that tells a different story. With over 600 victims now taking legal action, the pressure is mounting as official investigations by Cal Fire and Los Angeles County Fire continue.