Southern California Edison Under Scrutiny For Eaton Fire

In this photo provided by Pasadena, Calif., resident Matt Logelin, flames burn arond transmission towers owned by Southern California Edison in Eaton Canyon in the early evening of Tuesday, Jan. 7, 20

Attorneys representing a resident affected by the Eaton Fire near Los Angeles have raised concerns that Southern California Edison (SCE) crews may have inadvertently destroyed crucial evidence related to the wildfire's cause. The fire, which has claimed the lives of at least 16 individuals and destroyed over 7,000 structures in Altadena, was reportedly captured on video and photos showing flames beneath Edison's electrical towers in the Eaton Canyon area at the fire's onset. Residents also reported hearing a loud pop as the fire began.

Legal representatives for Altadena resident Evangeline Iglesias have requested a court order for SCE to preserve potential evidence in the area, fearing that the utility might discard equipment that could provide insights into the fire's origin. The attorneys have received numerous inquiries from residents who may require the same evidence for recovery purposes.

In response to these claims, an Edison spokesperson declined to comment on ongoing lawsuits or the reported sound at the fire's ignition, citing an ongoing investigation into the cause. The utility previously stated that there were no indications of its equipment involvement in the fire's start based on preliminary analyses.

Residents reported flames beneath Edison's towers and a loud pop at fire's onset.

Attorneys for resident Evangeline Iglesias fear crucial evidence loss.

Legal representatives seek court order to preserve evidence in Eaton Canyon area.

Despite the legal dispute, SCE has emphasized the need to conduct reconstruction work in Altadena promptly to ensure public safety and remove damaged equipment. Aerial images revealed the presence of work trucks in the area following the fire, although specific details about their activities remain unclear.

Meanwhile, a resident who witnessed the fire's outbreak described hearing a loud noise near the electrical towers just before the flames rapidly spread, prompting him to alert authorities and evacuate his family. The blaze, which engulfed the canyon within minutes, spared some homes in the neighborhood, including his own.

As investigations continue into the Eaton Fire and a separate blaze in Pacific Palisades, authorities are working diligently to determine the causes of these devastating wildfires. The community awaits answers as agencies like the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives lead the inquiries to provide clarity on the tragic events.