What triggered the wildfires in California? Investigators explore numerous alternatives.

What triggered the wildfires in California? Investigators explore numerous alternatives.

 Investigators are looking at a variety of potential sources of ignition for the massive wildfires that destroyed hundreds of buildings, including homes and businesses, in the Los Angeles area of California and claimed 16 lives.

Hollywood's home city of Los Angeles has seen hundreds of people evacuate due to the wildfires, upending lives. Hollywood celebrities and actors were among those whose homes were destroyed by the fire.

What are some potential wildfire causes?

Authorities have determined that the wind-whipped fire started behind a house on Piedra Morada Drive. The cause of the original fire, however, remains unclear.


The most frequent cause of fires in the US, according to the National Fire Protection Association, is lightning. However, lightning was ruled out as a possibility because there were no reports of lightning in the Palisades area or the terrain surrounding the Eaton Fire, which began in east Los Angeles County.

Arson and fire caused by power lines were the two other options.

When utilities become aware of "electric incidents potentially associated with a wildfire," they must notify the California Public Utilities Commission, according to Terrie Prosper, director of communications for the commission. 

Investigators found that Southern California Edison power lines colliding with high wind caused the 2017 Thomas Fire, one of the biggest disasters in the state's history. The business, however, stated on Friday that it had not heard any indications that their machinery was connected to the incident.

The utility company stated that initial SCE analysis of electrical circuit data for the energized transmission lines passing through the region for 12 hours before the fire's reported start time revealed no disruptions or operational or electrical irregularities until more than an hour after the fire's reported start time.


Investigators are also looking into whether the fire was started by an accident. A couple's gender reveal stunt in 2021 ignited a massive fire that burned nearly 36 square miles (90 square kilometers) of land.

While the Eaton Fire was at 14,000 acres and 15% contained, the Palisades Fire had spread to 23,600 acres (9,500 hectares) and was only 11% contained.

With assistance from AFP and AP