Hurst Fire: SoCal Edison reports damage near tower around time fire sparked
LOS ANGELES - As crews continue to battle the Hurst Fire in the Sylmar area, a new report from Southern California Edison shows that a downed line was found in the area around the same time the fire sparked.
The Hurst Fire was first reported around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7, near Diamond Road in Sylmar. The fire quickly spread, to more than 100 acres, forcing evacuations in the area. As of Saturday the fire sits at about 800 acres with nearly 80% containment. All evacuation orders and warnings have since been withdrawn.
A report dated Jan. 10 detailed SoCal Edison's investigation into the cause of the Hurst Fire. Government entities are required "to investigate whether the infrastructure owned or operated by the utility caused a wildfire," according to the report.
SUGGESTED:
- California fires map: Los Angeles evacuation orders, warnings
- Eaton fire latest: 7,000 structures damaged; progress 'static,' officials say
- Palisades Fire burns home in Brentwood as more evacuations underway
In the report, SoCal Edison determined that one of their circuits in the Eagle Rock - Sylmar area "experiened a relay" approximately one minute after the Hurst Fire was initially reported. The department also found a downed line at a tower associated with that circuit, "but SCE does not know whether the damage observed occurred before or after the start of the fire," according to the report.
The department is still investigating the incident's relation to the fire.
The Hurst Fire is one of more than a half dozen wildfires that have sparked throughout Los Angeles County in the last week, fanned by a dangerous Santa Ana wind event.