The exact cause of the Eaton Fire remains under investigation, but evidence gathered so far suggests a possible link to idle power lines owned by Southern California Edison (SCE). SCE is alleged to have caused the Eaton Fire through a combination of equipment failure and negligence.
According to multiple lawsuits filed against the utility, including one by Los Angeles County, the fire originated directly under SCE's transmission lines in Eaton Canyon. Witnesses, photos, and videos, such as footage from an ARCO gas station, reportedly show electrical arcing and flames at the base of SCE's transmission towers just moments before the fire ignited.
Human activities and infrastructure also played a role in the Eaton Fire. Several residents of Altadena filed lawsuits against Southern California Edison, and residents affected by the fire are suing SCE, accusing it of failing to de-energize all of its power equipment.
The fire began on January 7, 2025, at around 6:18 p.m. PST near Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive. By 6:26 p.m., firefighters on Canyon Close Road in Pasadena reported via radio that the fire had spread to 10 acres and was burning beneath high-tension power lines.
Another main cause of the Eaton Fire was the extreme weather conditions in Southern California at the time. The region experienced prolonged drought, with the driest start to the rainy season on record and the driest nine-month period before the fires.
This lack of rainfall led to dry vegetation that acted as fuel for the fires. Additionally, powerful Santa Ana winds, with speeds reaching up to 100 mph, further worsened the situation. These winds not only dried out the vegetation but also carried embers over long distances, igniting spot fires and allowing the fire to spread rapidly.