LA County Fire Department report reveals cause of deadly Eaton Fire that claimed 19 lives

The Los Angeles County Fire Department has ruled the deadly Eaton Fire that killed 19 people was caused by an electrical spark from an out-of-service Southern California Edison transmission tower.

Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone said: “I recognize that no report or investigation into the Eaton Fire can ease the deep pain and tragedy our residents have endured.

Firefighters work the scene as an apartment building burns during the Eaton fire in the Altadena area of Los Angeles County, California, on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. AFP via Getty Images

“I recognize that no report or investigation into the Eaton Fire can ease the deep pain and tragedy our residents have endured,” said Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone. County of Los Angeles Fire Dept

“While the cause has been determined, our focus remains on assisting our residents to rebuild their homes and livelihoods, and ensuring lessons learned drive meaningful and impactful change in memory of the 19 lives lost.”

The massive inferno ripped across the Altadena foothills after sparking in Eaton Canyon on January 7, 2025.

It killed 19 people and destroyed more than 9,000 homes and other buildings before firefighters contained it on Jan. 31.

The fire department’s long-awaited investigative report concluded that electrical arcing from the inactive transmission tower ignited dry vegetation beneath the structure during the powerful Santa Ana windstorm that fueled the fast-moving wildfire.

Investigators reviewed physical evidence, witness accounts and multiple videos as part of the 18-month probe.

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