Background of the Eaton Fire Incident

The devastating Eaton Fire, which occurred on January 7, 2025, claimed the lives of 17 individuals, charred over 14,000 acres, and resulted in significant damage to more than 10,000 structures. In the aftermath, Southern California Edison (SCE) initially asserted that there were no signs of malfunction in their equipment.

‘Zombie’ Power Lines: A New Focus

SCE has turned its attention to an inactive power line, colloquially termed a “zombie” power line, as a potential source of the fire. According to Kathleen Dunleavy, a spokesperson for SCE, a zombie power line refers to one that is no longer energized. However, recent surveillance footage captured at an Arco gas station appears to show electrical arcs and sparks emanating from this line on the night the fire broke out.

The video evidence, released by the Edelson PC law firm, indicates that these sparks may have ignited dry brush on the Altadena hillside, which was near the fire’s origin. Investigators now believe that this zombie line may have unintentionally re-energized.

Ongoing Investigations and Community Impact

Following the emergence of the new evidence, SCE is collaborating with legal representatives of fire victims to conduct thorough inspections of their equipment in the vicinity of the fire. Dunleavy announced that the investigation has entered a new phase, which includes utilizing drones for high-resolution photography of the towers and on-site engineering evaluations.

Despite SCE’s previous claims of no operational issues, victim Jeremy Gursey expressed feelings of emotional distress upon seeing the surveillance footage. “It’s emotional for me,” Gursey noted, drawing a parallel between reviewing the footage and visiting a crime scene.

Legal Proceedings and Accountability

Gursey, among many others affected by the fire, is currently involved in lawsuits against SCE. These include actions initiated by Los Angeles County as well. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the fire, many residents, including Gursey, assert that SCE bears responsibility for the disaster, citing evidence that suggests the utility’s equipment was at fault.

While SCE has not provided a timeline for the completion of its investigation, the focus on the zombie line represents a critical step in addressing the fire’s cause and holds implications for accountability and community safety.