A concerning new theory has emerged about the potential cause of the catastrophic Los Angeles wildfires, with experts suggesting faults in the city’s power grid may have played a role. Bob Marshall, CEO of Whisker Labs, revealed that significant spikes in power grid faults were detected in the areas affected by the fires, just hours before they began. These faults, often caused by tree limbs touching power lines or wires clashing in the wind, can create sparks that may ignite fires under certain conditions.
Marshall reported a staggering 317 grid faults near Altadena ahead of the Eaton Fire and 230 faults before the Hurst Fire began. While Marshall emphasized that these faults have not been definitively linked to the wildfires, he noted the lack of immediate power shutdowns following the detected surges. Such delays could be critical in preventing potential ignition points during extreme fire risks.
The theory has not yet been confirmed by investigators, but it adds urgency to ongoing discussions about the role of power infrastructure in wildfire prevention. Critics have often called for stronger regulations and investments to minimize fire risks posed by aging grids and equipment failures.
As the death toll rises to 16 and thousands of homes remain destroyed, this theory underscores the complexity of understanding and addressing the causes of wildfires. Authorities continue to investigate while focusing on containment efforts and aiding displaced residents.
