Washington Post report blames California utility SCE for 2022 fire

Robert Besser
20 Nov 2023, 08:14 GMT+10

Washington Post reported that California authorities have determined that a major utility company, Southern California Edison, is responsible for a 2022 wildfire that killed two people
The newspaper said that on September 5, 2022, a power line managed by SCE, a subsidiary of Edison International, had sagged and hit a communications line below it, causing sparks that ignited nearby vegetation
The resulting fire burned more than 28,000 acres in Riverside County near the town of Hemet, some 75 miles southeast of Los Angeles

ROSEMEAD, California: This week, the Washington Post reported that California authorities have determined that a major utility company, Southern California Edison (SCE), is responsible for a 2022 wildfire that killed two people.

Citing an unreleased California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (Cal Fire) document, the newspaper said that on September 5, 2022, a power line managed by SCE, a subsidiary of Edison International, had sagged and hit a communications line below it, causing sparks that ignited nearby vegetation.

The resulting fire burned more than 28,000 acres (11,300 hectares) in Riverside County near the town of Hemet, some 75 miles (120 km) southeast of Los Angeles.

The fire killed two and injured one person.

In response, SCE said it was reviewing the Cal Fire document and stressed that it cooperated with state authorities during their investigation.

SCE spokeswoman Diane Castro said, "Our hearts are with the community and the people who suffered losses in the Fairview Fire."

Power companies are often blamed for causing wildfires by not shutting down transmission grids during high winds, which can knock down electrified lines and ignite vegetation.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to San Antonio Post.

More Information

53 ℉

Cloudy in San Antonio/Kelly

Texas

Section

Texas A-G sues Pfizer over ineffective ADHD drug for children

MARSHALL, Texas: In a lawsuit unsealed this week, Texas Attorney-General Ken Paxton said Pfizer and its supplier Tris Pharma provided ...

More free COVID-19 tests to be offered around US: HHS

WASHINGTON D.C.: A Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) spokesperson said that this week, the U.S. government will begin ...

Reports: Florida fires two assistant coaches

(Photo credit: Matt Pendleton / USA TODAY NETWORK) After a 5-7 finish to the 2023 season, Florida started to make ...

Kansas State looks to stay perfect at home vs. Oral Roberts

(Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports) There has been no place like home for Kansas State this season as ...

Kings, Warriors vie for NBA in-season tournament spots

(Photo credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports) The Sacramento Kings get an opportunity to secure a spot in the NBA ...

Luka Doncic cleared to play when Mavericks, Rockets meet

(Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports) With three losses in four games undermining what was a strong start to ...

International

Section