Utility's idle transmission tower caused 2025 Eaton fire that killed 19, Los Angeles officials say

Los Angeles and California fire investigators determined that the 2025 Eaton fire was caused by a malfunction at an inactive transmission tower belonging to Southern California Edison. This wildfire, one of the largest in January 2025, killed 19 people and engulfed over 14,000 acres. The disaster destroyed or damaged more than 9,000 homes, devastating the Altadena community. Official reports released Tuesday confirm that the utility's out-of-service electrical equipment triggered the deadly blaze.