An electric utility executive revealed that the winds during the Eaton fire in Altadena did not reach the intensity required to shut down a significant electrical transmission line, which is now under investigation as a possible ignition source for the fire. Southern California Edison CEO shared that the decision not to de-energize the key transmission line was based on wind speeds not meeting the 60 to 80 mph threshold typically needed for such action. The company closely monitored the weather conditions on the day of the fire.
Despite reports from witnesses seeing flames near a transmission tower, the utility's data showed no abnormalities in the hours leading up to the fire. The CEO expressed concern over the unsettling images of flames captured by residents and acknowledged the immediate suspicion that arose due to the proximity of the fire to the electrical equipment.
The Eaton fire was reported in the evening of January 7, with gusts of up to 70 mph recorded in the area. While the National Weather Service noted high wind speeds, specific readings at the transmission tower remain unclear. Southern California Edison has faced legal action over allegations of causing the fire, but the company stated that its equipment in the Eaton Canyon area was unlikely to be the source of ignition. Local officials are still investigating the exact cause of the fire.
