Authorities are investigating multiple possible causes behind the massive wildfires that have claimed at least 11 lives and ravaged thousands of homes and commercial properties in the Los Angeles region.
In the affluent, hillside neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, where Hollywood icons like Jamie Lee Curtis and Billy Crystal saw their homes destroyed by the fire, officials have traced the blaze’s origin to an area behind a residence on Piedra Morada Drive, perched above a heavily wooded arroyo.
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What can be the two primary causes
The National Fire Protection Association notes that whilst lightning typically causes most fires in the United States, investigators quickly eliminated this possibility.
No lightning activity was recorded near the Palisades area or around the Eaton Fire zone in eastern Los Angeles County, where hundreds of properties were also destroyed.
The next two primary causes are deliberately set fires and those caused by utility lines. However, neither fire has been officially confirmed as arson, nor have utility lines been verified as the source.
According to John Lentini, proprietor of Scientific Fire Analysis in Florida and investigator of significant California fires including the 1991 Oakland Hills Fire, the extensive nature of the blaze does not alter the investigative methodology.
“This was once a small fire,” Lentini said, Associated Press reported.
“People will focus on where the fire started, determine the origin and look around the origin and determine the cause,” Lentini added.
2017 Thomas Fire, amongst California’s largest
Terrie Prosper, communications director at the California Public Utilities Commission, explained via email that utilities must report any “electric incidents potentially associated with a wildfire.” CPUC staff subsequently investigate for possible legal violations.
Investigators determined that the 2017 Thomas Fire, amongst California’s largest, began when Southern California Edison power lines made contact during strong winds. This incident resulted in two fatalities and burnt over 440 square miles (1,140 square kilometres).
Southern California Edison submitted a report to the CPUC regarding the Eaton Fire near Pasadena on Friday.
Edison stated they received no indications of their equipment’s involvement in starting the fire, but filed the report with state regulators as a precautionary measure after receiving evidence preservation notices from insurance lawyers.
“Preliminary analysis by SCE of electrical circuit information for the energized transmission lines going through the area for 12 hours prior to the reported start time of the fire shows no interruptions or electrical or operational anomalies until more than one hour after the reported start time of the fire,” the utility reported.
Fires can originate from numerous sources
Beyond lightning, arson and utility lines, debris burning and fireworks frequently cause fires. However, fires can originate from numerous sources, including accidents.
In 2021, a gender reveal celebration sparked a significant fire that consumed nearly 36 square miles (about 90 square kilometres) of land, destroyed five homes and 15 other structures, and claimed firefighter Charlie Morton’s life.
As of Friday, both the Eaton and Palisades fires continued burning with minimal containment. Despite calmer winds, no rainfall was forecast as the flames spread through extensive dry areas.
“It’s going to go out when it runs out of fuel, or when the weather stops,” Lentini said. “They’re not going to put that thing out until it’s ready to go out.”
Emergency services anticipated a respite on Friday from the strong winds that have driven substantial fires across Los Angeles, resulting in 10 fatalities, destroying residential areas and causing anxiety throughout America’s second-largest city.
Since Tuesday, the fires have destroyed over 10,000 buildings and residences across a heavily populated 25-mile (40-kilometre) area north of central Los Angeles. The primary causes of the major fires remain undetermined.
Fresh warning due to predicted windy conditions
Los Angeles Fire Chief Anthony Marrone indicated that whilst the current red flag warning concludes at 6 pm Pacific on Friday, authorities anticipate issuing a fresh warning on Monday due to predicted windy conditions.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick shared his emotional response on Friday following team practice, discussing the fire’s impact ahead of Saturday’s scheduled match against San Antonio. “I’m not sure I’ve wept or wailed like that in several years,” Redick said.
The rented residence in Pacific Palisades was destroyed on Tuesday whilst the team was in Dallas. His wife Chelsea and their two children were safely away from the affected area.
“California is deeply grateful for President @ClaudiaShein’s support as we work to suppress the Los Angeles wildfires. Our partnership and shared commitment to helping communities in need is greatly valued,” he wrote in a post on X.
Governor Gavin Newsom initiated an investigation into the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power following reports of water pressure loss during firefighting efforts.
“We need answers to how that happened,” Newsom stated, describing ongoing reports of water shortages as “deeply troubling.”