Los Angeles confirms electrical cause of Eaton fire
The short version
Los Angeles authorities have confirmed that the Eaton fire, which ravaged Altadena in January 2025, was caused by a faulty power line. Nineteen people died in this disaster.
The Eaton fire destroyed thousands of homes in Altadena, a mountain town northeast of Los Angeles.2 Nineteen people died in the Eaton fire, according to official records.2 The official investigation, published after 18 months of investigation, confirmed that the Eaton fire was caused by a faulty power line.1
Southern California Edison (SCE) was the electricity supplier suspected of being responsible for the Eaton fire.1 The Eaton fire broke out in January 2025.1 The findings of the investigation were made public on August 4, 2026.1
Why it matters
Altadena is an unincorporated city in Los Angeles County, located in the San Gabriel Mountains, known for its frequent wildfires due to its dry climate and dense vegetation.2
Southern California Edison (SCE) is one of California's leading electricity providers, serving approximately 15 million people.1
This account was written from the 2 reports listed below, filed by 2 independent outlets, and checked against them line by line. It is not a copy of any one of them. Spotted an error? Tell us.
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