Summary
Before the Eaton fire began in January 2025, power lines broke down in Altadena, Los Angeles County. Distribution lines, which supply power to homes, failed hours earlier, causing fires before the main blaze started. More than 9,000 buildings were destroyed, and 19 people died due to the fires.
Key Facts
- The Eaton fire destroyed over 9,000 buildings in Los Angeles County in January 2025.
- The fire is linked to high power transmission lines managed by Southern California Edison.
- SoCal Edison admitted their equipment might have helped start the Eaton fire.
- Distribution lines failed in Altadena hours before the fire started, causing early fires.
- 19 people died, mainly in Altadena, which was heavily affected.
- Satellite images show the main fire front did not reach Altadena until later.
- Distribution lines malfunctioned over 200 times in the region on the day of the fire, due to strong winds.
- The U.S. Department of Justice filed lawsuits against Southern California Edison blaming their equipment for the fire.
