At least 11 people have died, and thousands of homes and businesses have been destroyed as massive fires tear through the Los Angeles area. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the blazes, which have devastated neighborhoods and forced widespread evacuations.
The Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive, began in Pacific Palisades and quickly spread through the hilly, wooded area. The fire reportedly started behind a house on Piedra Morada Drive. Among the homes destroyed were those of Hollywood stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Billy Crystal, highlighting the fire’s indiscriminate path of destruction.
The Eaton Fire, which ignited in east Los Angeles County, has also wreaked havoc, destroying hundreds of homes. Together, the two fires have left a trail of devastation, with officials warning that containment efforts are being hampered by dry conditions and unpredictable winds.
Investigators Rule Out Lightning, Focus on Other Causes
Lightning, a common cause of wildfires in the U.S., has been ruled out as no strikes were reported in the affected areas. Investigators are now examining other possible ignition sources, including utility lines and intentional fires.
Southern California Edison (SCE) has submitted a report to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regarding the Eaton Fire. While the utility stated there was no indication its equipment caused the fire, it filed the report as a precaution after receiving evidence preservation notices from insurance companies.
Preliminary data from SCE showed no electrical or operational anomalies in the area before the fire began. However, investigations are ongoing, and officials are looking closely at all potential causes.
Firefighting Efforts Continue
Both the Palisades and Eaton fires remain largely uncontained. Firefighters are battling to control the flames, but dry conditions and a lack of rain are allowing the fires to spread across parched vegetation.
John Lentini, a veteran fire investigator, said determining the cause is critical but won’t stop the fires anytime soon. “It’s going to go out when it runs out of fuel or when the weather stops,” he said.
As the fires rage on, residents are left grappling with the scale of destruction. Thousands remain displaced, while authorities work to provide aid and shelter. Meanwhile, officials continue to monitor weather conditions, hoping for a break in the dry spell that has fueled these catastrophic blazes.
