Categories: US News

Power company faces lawsuits over Eaton fire amid allegations

Southern California Edison (SCE) is under scrutiny for not de-energizing its transmission lines before the Eaton fire, which devastated 14,000 acres and claimed 16 lives. SCE typically deactivates lines when winds reach 60-80 mph, but the National Weather Service recorded 59 mph winds—just shy of the threshold—on the day the fire began near Altadena and Pasadena.

Eyewitness accounts and legal claims

Eyewitnesses and videos reportedly show the fire starting near a transmission tower owned by SCE. Residents shared footage of flames at the base of a tower, fueling lawsuits from homeowners, renters, and businesses. Plaintiffs claim SCE’s equipment may have caused the fire, citing reports of grid disruptions in the area.

Company response and ongoing investigations

SCE maintains there were no abnormalities in its equipment leading up to the fire, but CEO Steven Powell acknowledged public concerns. Authorities have yet to determine the fire’s official cause, urging patience as investigations continue.

Health and safety warnings

Authorities warn of hazardous conditions in fire-ravaged areas, including asbestos-laden ash and dangerous debris. Residents are advised to wear masks to avoid respiratory risks while cadaver dogs search for remains amid the devastation.

Herbert Bauernebel

Herbert Bauernebel has been reporting from New York since 1999 and currently works for Bild.de, OE24 TV, and US Live. He also runs the news portal AmerikaReport.de. Bauernebel has covered nearly all major US events of the past quarter-century, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Barack Obama’s election, Donald Trump’s surprise victory, the pandemic, last year’s election showdown, as well as natural disasters such as hurricanes and oil spills. He has also reported firsthand on international events, including the Asian tsunami, the Haiti earthquake, and the Fukushima disaster. He lives in Brooklyn with his family and holds degrees in communication and political science from the University of Vienna. Bauernebel is the author of a book about his experiences on 9/11, And the Air Was Full of Ash: 9/11 – The Day That Changed My Life.

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