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Thursday, August 06-August 12, 2026
LA County FD finds Edison equipment caused Eaton Fire; loan program starts for survivors By Joe Taglieri
S
joet@civicnewsgroup.com
outhern California Edison equipment caused the devastating Eaton Fire last year, according to a report Tuesday by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. State and county fire investigators aided by electrical and metallurgical experts investigated the deadly blaze over 18 months and concluded that the cause of the wildfire was electrical arcing events that occurred on an out-ofservice Southern California Edison power-line tower. Investigators used methodology developed by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group and found that the Eaton Fire originated on a pile of uncleared dry brush below SCE transmission towers on the spur ridge above the Eaton Wash, according to the Fire Department. California law requires SCE is to maintain and operate its electrical lines and equipment in a manner that would minimize the risk of catastrophic wildfire. “I recognize that no report or investigation into the Eaton Fire can ease the deep pain and tragedy our residents have endured,” LA
"Photogrammetry" video displays flames from the Eaton Fire under Southern California Edison power lines, according to attorneys representing fire victims. | Photo courtesy of LA Fire Justice
County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said in a statement. “While the cause has been determined, our focus remains on assisting our residents to rebuild their homes and livelihoods, and ensuring lessons learned drive meaningful and impactful change in memory of the 19 lives lost.” Fire officials noted the Eaton Fire's ongoing impact "and the community's need for answers," in addition to affirming a commitment "to transparency and fully support all independent investigations and after-
action reviews." According to Cal Fire, the blaze caused 19 deaths and destroyed or damaged over 10,000 structures in Altadena, Pasadena, Sierra Madre and La Cañada Flintridge and the San Gabriel Mountains. "Our hearts are with the Altadena community, and we continue to support them as they recover and rebuild through our Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program," said SCE spokesman David Eisenhauer.
"We received the LA County Fire report and are reviewing it. We have taken our potential role in the start of this fire seriously from the beginning," Eisenhauer said. As we’ve previously said, SCE believes that it is likely that its equipment was associated with the ignition of the Eaton Fire." The Fire Department report and additional information is on the county's website. Loan program aims to aid rebuilding A local nonprofit organization and Los Angeles-based bank have launched the first zero-interest disaster loan program to help Eaton Fire survivors return to Altadena. The Gap Rebuild Program by the Altadena Land Initiatives Corp. fills funding gaps for fire-surviving homeowners with zero-interest construction financing from Cathay Bank. Program organizers said it simplifies construction by pairing homeowners with builders selected for their availability, experience, pricing, reputation and commitment to Altadena's recovery.
See Eaton Fire Page 27
VOL. 17, 15,
NO. 287
Lineage estimates 80% of rotting food removed after warehouse fire By Staff
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oughly 80% percent of rotting food waste has been removed from the Lineage Logistics Inc. warehouse in Boyle Heights that was heavily damaged in a recent fire, company representatives reported Monday. Cleanup began July 7 following the June 17-24 fire at the cold-storage facility at 1400 Los Palos St., and Lineage's goal of completing bulk food waste removal from the site is next week, a company statement said. Work continues around the clock to speed up the cleanup in an attempt to reduce odors, protect public health and provide direct assistance to impacted residents, according to Lineage. The fire is said to have started because of solar panel maintenance on the warehouse roof by contractor Altus Power Inc., but authorities have not officially determined a cause. The seven-day blaze sent thick smoke into the air and prompted officials to warn nearby residents to stay inside. The city, county and state issued local emergency declarations in the
subsequent days, and area residents have complained of noxious odors and other adverse effects from the fire. The LA County Department of Public Health investigated the warehouse on July 15 and identified violations that remained outstanding. Inspectors discovered an accumulation of decaying organic waste, wastewater and food residue in two different freezers, as well as live and dead flies in several areas of the facility. At least 20 fly larvae were on the exterior plastic sheeting along the northern perimeter wall, on the nearby sidewalk and on the street along Union Pacific Avenue. The county has ordered Lineage to: - Remove and properly dispose of all fire-damaged food, putrescible waste, and other decomposing organic materials from the property in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations; - Eliminate all actual and potential fly breeding sources, including accumulations of organic debris, contaminated liquids, and any other materials capable
See Warehouse fire Page 28
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