LOS ANGELES — Investigation teams are exploring various potential ignition sources for the devastating fires that have claimed the lives of at least 10 individuals and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses in the Los Angeles area.
In the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood, known for its celebrity residents such as Jamie Lee Curtis and Billy Crystal, officials identified the origin of the raging fire as being located behind a residence on Piedra Morada Drive, adjacent to a heavily wooded arroyo.
While lightning is typically the most frequent cause of wildfires in the United States, the investigation team ruled it out as a factor, having determined there were no reports of lightning activity in the Palisades or the surrounding areas where another significant fire, known as the Eaton fire, has also wreaked havoc.
The two most likely remaining causes under consideration are intentional fires and those initiated by utility line issues.
A fire analysis expert emphasized that the scale of the blaze does not alter the fundamental investigation protocols for determining its cause. “This was once a small fire. Investigators will concentrate on where it ignited, examine the origin, and systematically determine the cause,” they stated.
Currently, no evidence has been found to suggest arson in either fire, and utility-related causes are still being investigated.
Utility companies are mandated to report any electrical incidents to the California Public Utilities Commission when they suspect a connection to wildfires. Commission staff then assess these reports for potential legal violations.
Previously, the Thomas Fire in 2017, which became one of the largest in California’s history, was traced back to Southern California Edison power lines that contacted during high winds, resulting in two fatalities and significant land destruction.
As of now, no similar reports regarding the current fires have been made available on the commission’s tracking website.
Outside of lightning, arson, and utility lines, other common causes of fires include debris burning and fireworks. Accidental ignitions are also significant contributors to wildfire occurrences.
Notably, a gender reveal event in 2021 inadvertently started a massive fire that decimated nearly 36 square miles of land, destroyed five homes and 15 structures, and resulted in the death of a firefighter.
As of Thursday, both the Eaton and Palisades fires remain active with minimal containment efforts. Although winds have calmed, there is no rain expected as the flames continue to spread across dry terrains.
“The fire will extinguish when it exhausts its fuel supply or when weather conditions change,” said the expert. “Until those factors occur, it will continue its course.”
