Southern California Edison (SCE), the electricity provider for approximately 15 million residents, is investigating the potential involvement of its equipment in the ignition of both the Hurst and Eaton Fires, which ravaged Los Angeles County last month. The Hurst Fire consumed around 800 acres, while the significantly larger Eaton Fire scorched approximately 124,000 acres.

In two separate communications to the California Public Utilities Commission on Thursday, SCE acknowledged the ongoing investigations into the fires' origins but revealed preliminary findings suggesting a possible connection to its equipment. Edison International, SCE's parent company, confirmed this in a public statement.

"While the definitive cause of the Eaton Fire remains undetermined, SCE is diligently exploring all possibilities, including the potential role of our equipment," stated Pedro J. Pizarro, President and CEO of Edison International. He emphasized the company's active involvement in supporting emergency response, containment, recovery, and investigative efforts since the fires' outbreak.

The Los Angeles Police Department, the lead investigative agency for both fires, has officially linked SCE equipment to the ignition of the Hurst Fire. SCE is currently gathering comprehensive data, including grid information, maintenance records, photos, and videos, to thoroughly analyze how its equipment may have sparked the blazes.

The devastation caused by the Eaton Fire is evident in this aerial view of Altadena, California, taken on January 19, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

In the wake of the fires, approximately 40 lawsuits have been filed against SCE by affected residents, according to reports from The Los Angeles Times.

Neama Rahmani, an attorney representing Eaton Fire victims, expressed confidence in SCE's culpability, stating, "It's now time for Edison to take responsibility for the Eaton Fire, which resulted in immense losses for thousands of homeowners and renters in Pasadena and Altadena, causing tens of billions of dollars in damage." Rahmani also noted SCE's suggestion that a homeless encampment located a significant distance from the fire's origin might be responsible, a claim he disputes.

A resident reacts while evacuating the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on January 8, 2025, as powerful winds exacerbated the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area. (David Swanson)

He further asserted, "The evidence clearly points to Edison's tower as the source of the fire. The images and videos of sparks igniting the dry vegetation below are undeniable." Rahmani expressed his clients' readiness for a legal battle.

SCE spokesperson Kathleen Dunleavy reiterated the company's commitment to investigating all potential causes, emphasizing a comprehensive approach. She expressed concern over the spread of misinformation, highlighting the importance of accurate information for the public. Dunleavy acknowledged that the full investigation is expected to take several months.

A small car amidst the rubble and ash left by the Eaton Fire. (Fox News Digital / Ashley Carnahan)

A firefighter combats the flames of the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on January 8, 2025. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

Pizarro reaffirmed SCE's long-standing commitment to the community and emphasized their ongoing investment in wildfire prevention and mitigation, including undergrounding power lines and strengthening the grid in high-risk areas, with plans for potential expansion.

Burnt houses in Altadena, Los Angeles County, California, following the Eaton Fire on January 9, 2025. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu)

The wildfires have caused widespread devastation, burning over 57,000 acres, destroying more than 16,000 structures, claiming 29 lives, and displacing tens of thousands of residents. Verisk, a global data analytics firm, estimates insured losses to reach at least $28 billion, potentially making it the costliest disaster in U.S. history.