Distribution Lines in Altadena Failed During the Hours Before the Eaton Fire Per NPR Report
October 28, 2025
It is widely reported that one of Southern California Edison’s transmission towers is the probable cause of the Eaton Fire. Additionally, an investigation published by NPR reveals that SCE’s distribution lines, which transport power to individual homes, were also malfunctioning during the hours before the fire ignited.
On January 7, 2025, distribution lines across Los Angeles reportedly malfunctioned over 200 times, exacerbated by hurricane-level winds whipping through the region. LA County Fire Department dispatch logs show 35 calls for “wires down or arcing” in Altadena, likely as a result of the extreme wind that day, demonstrating the high-risk conditions on the day of the Eaton Fire.
While SCE has the ability to prevent utility-caused fires by cutting power to its lines, the utility did not shut off electricity to most circuits in Altadena on January 7, even as unprecedented red-flag weather and wind conditions threatened to overwhelm the grid. As the wildfire spread on January 7, SCE also kept eight circuits in Altadena active, allowing electricity to continue to flow to buildings connected to those lines as the fire spread.
Check out our ongoing efforts to help survivors hold SCE accountable:
The reporting by NPR supports the growing evidence that SCE failed to adequately maintain its equipment and respond appropriately to the significant wildfire risk in Altadena on January 7th. Because of this failure, thousands of people lost homes, belongings, and family members to the Eaton Fire. Through a lawsuit, survivors may recover compensation to rebuild their lives, hold SCE accountable, and discourage future negligence.