Edison International, a $25 billion energy company, is under investigation for its potential link to the LA wildfires, now considered one of the most devastating disasters in U.S. history. The company reported a fault near a powerline tower close to where the Hurst fire began. This fault, logged as a “circuit relay,” occurred at the same time the blaze ignited, raising questions about whether the equipment malfunctioned before or after the fire started.
Investigators are also examining spikes in the power grid recorded hours before the fires. Bob Marshall, CEO of Whisker Labs, suggested that faults like tree limbs touching wires or wind-blown cables may have contributed to the ignition. Critics argue that Edison International may have failed to respond quickly, exacerbating the devastation.
The fires have caused catastrophic damage, destroying tens of thousands of acres, displacing hundreds of thousands, and claiming at least 24 lives. Amid mounting pressure, Edison has stated that they’ve restored power to over 500,000 customers but warned that extensive equipment damage could lead to prolonged outages.
The incident has sparked heated debates about the role of energy companies in wildfire prevention and management, particularly as Edison’s market value dropped by over $5 billion since the fires began. The investigation continues, with calls for accountability growing louder.
