Edison International, a $25 billion energy firm, is under investigation for a potential role in sparking the Hurst Fire, which has burned nearly 800 acres in San Fernando, Los Angeles County. The company reported discovering a downed conductor at the Eagle Rock Sylmar 220 kV circuit close to the fire’s ignition point after a Santa Ana windstorm on Tuesday. However, Edison noted it remains unclear whether the damage occurred before or after the fire began.
In the Pacific Palisades, 63 faults were recorded in the three hours preceding the fire, with 18 occurring just one hour before ignition. Similar patterns were observed with the Eaton Fire (317 faults) and the Hurst Fire (230 faults). These faults, often caused by tree limbs touching wires or wind-blown wires sparking, may have ignited dried vegetation, exacerbated by fierce Santa Ana winds.
While investigations into the cause of the fires are ongoing, the discovery of Edison International’s damaged equipment near the Hurst Fire’s origin has drawn widespread attention. As Californians demand answers, the incident underscores the challenges of balancing energy infrastructure with wildfire prevention.
The devastating impact of California wildfires
As of Sunday, the California fires had burned over 62 square miles, destroyed 12,300 structures, and caused $57 billion in economic damage. The Palisades Fire, the largest of the three main blazes, has consumed nearly 24,000 acres and is only 11% contained.
This revelation has intensified scrutiny over the energy company, whose market value has plummeted by $5.73 billion in the past week. Edison’s stock dropped 10% on Wednesday and another 6.5% on Friday, highlighting the financial toll of the wildfires on energy and utility companies.
