A law firm representing a woman who lost her home released the footage.
A new security video might hold the key to solving what started the deadly Eaton Fire near Los Angeles earlier this month. The fire broke out on January 7. It devastated the area, killing 17 people, injuring nine firefighters, and destroying over 10,000 structures. It’s now labeled as one of California’s most destructive wildfires ever.
A gas station camera on North Altadena Drive in Pasadena captured the video. It shows what looks like sparks flying from a Southern California Edison (SCE) transmission tower in Eaton Canyon. The sparks reportedly appeared at 6:11 p.m., just minutes before the fire officially started at 6:18 p.m. A woman who lost her home in the fire hired the law firm Edelson PC to represent her in a lawsuit against SCE. The firm released the video on Sunday, calling it “the clearest evidence” that SCE’s equipment caused the fire.
The footage shows electrical flashes, followed by a fire erupting in the distance. Edelson PC claims this timing lines up perfectly with when the fire began. The law firm also filed a request to ensure SCE preserves evidence, like equipment from the area, for further investigation.
SCE is looking into the footage but hasn’t confirmed any connection to its equipment. CNN reported that the utility’s spokesperson says it’s too early to draw conclusions and is cooperating with investigators. Officials from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection are still investigating the fire’s cause.
In the meantime, SCE agreed to leave some power circuits in the area turned off for 21 days while both sides continue their investigations. The next court hearing is set for February 18.