The Los Angeles County Fire Department has determined that an electrical spark from an out-of-service Southern California Edison transmission tower was the cause of the deadly Eaton Fire, which resulted in 19 fatalities. The massive wildfire ignited in Eaton Canyon on January 7, 2025, and swept through the Altadena foothills.
Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone stated in the department's investigative report that while the cause has been determined, the focus remains on supporting residents in their recovery. "I recognize that no report or investigation into the Eaton Fire can ease the deep pain and tragedy our residents have endured," Marrone said. "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."
The fire burned for nearly a month before being contained on January 31, 2025. The blaze destroyed more than 9,000 homes and other structures. Investigators spent 18 months on the probe, reviewing physical evidence, witness accounts, and multiple videos. The report concluded that electrical arcing from the inactive transmission tower ignited dry vegetation beneath it during a powerful Santa Ana windstorm that accelerated the fire's rapid spread.