Edison electric tower damaged while being dismantled for Eaton fire investigation

Los Angeles Times - May 9th, 2025
Open on Los Angeles Times

A Southern California Edison transmission tower removal operation faced a setback when the top portion of the tower being lifted by a helicopter came into contact with power lines. This incident occurred as part of an investigation into the cause of the Eaton fire, which started on January 7. The tower was among two being removed for examination. While the first tower was removed without incident, the second, located near the Gould substation, sustained potential damage during the operation. No injuries were reported, and the extent of the damage is still under assessment. The tower was moved to a landing pad for further disassembly and testing.

The ongoing investigation into the Eaton fire includes a theory that induction, a rare occurrence involving reenergization of idle towers and power lines, might have sparked the blaze. This incident is part of a broader effort involving SCE, Los Angeles County Fire, and various law firms to determine the fire's cause. SCE reported a surge in electrical current on four lines and a fault on the Eagle Rock-Gould line around the fire's inception. The removal and testing of the towers are crucial steps in uncovering the fire's origin, as per the agreement with state regulators and investigators.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed and accurate account of the investigation into the Eaton fire and the removal of transmission towers by Southern California Edison. It effectively balances technical details with human interest elements, making the story relevant and engaging to a broad audience. The use of credible sources and clear attribution enhances the article's reliability, although incorporating more diverse perspectives and expert commentary could strengthen its depth and balance. The story is timely and of significant public interest, addressing critical issues related to fire safety and utility accountability. While the article is generally clear and readable, additional explanations of technical terms and the inclusion of multimedia elements could further enhance reader engagement and comprehension. Overall, the article is a well-rounded piece that successfully informs and engages readers on a topic of considerable importance.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story is largely accurate, presenting verifiable facts about the incident involving the Southern California Edison transmission tower. The report accurately describes the damage that occurred when the tower made contact with power lines during its removal by helicopter, aligning with statements from Southern California Edison spokesperson David Eisenhauer. However, some areas require further verification, such as the extent of the damage to the tower and its impact on the ongoing investigation. Additionally, while the report mentions that the power lines were not energized at the time of contact, this detail should be corroborated with further evidence. The story's claim about the induction theory as a leading cause of the fire is supported by statements from Edison International's CEO, Pedro Pizarro, but would benefit from additional technical explanation or expert input to enhance credibility.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including perspectives from Southern California Edison and references to ongoing legal actions against the company. It highlights both the technical and legal aspects of the investigation, providing a comprehensive view of the situation. However, the article could improve balance by including perspectives from independent experts or affected community members, which would provide a fuller picture of the incident's implications. While the narrative does not overtly favor any party, the inclusion of more diverse viewpoints would strengthen the article's objectivity and depth.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the events and their significance. The language is clear and concise, making the technical details accessible to a general audience. The use of direct quotes from key figures helps clarify the situation and lends authority to the reporting. However, some technical terms, such as 'induction,' could be better explained to ensure all readers fully understand the concepts discussed. Overall, the article effectively communicates the key points without unnecessary jargon or complexity.

8
Source quality

The primary sources cited in the article, such as statements from Southern California Edison and Edison International's CEO, are credible and relevant to the topic. These sources provide authoritative insights into the incident and the ongoing investigation. However, the article relies heavily on these internal sources without incorporating independent verification or commentary from external experts. Including a broader range of sources, such as fire investigation experts or legal analysts, would enhance the article's reliability and provide readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent in its reporting, clearly attributing information to Southern California Edison and Edison International's CEO. It outlines the context of the investigation and the reasons for removing the transmission towers. However, the article could improve transparency by providing more detailed explanations of technical terms, such as 'induction,' and the implications of such phenomena in the context of the fire. Additionally, disclosing any potential conflicts of interest, such as the relationship between the reporters and the entities involved, would further enhance transparency.

Sources

  1. https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-05-08/edison-sued-for-dangerous-lead-levels-left-after-eaton-fire
  2. https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/socal-edison-transmission-towers-eaton-fire-investigation/
  3. https://kfiam640.iheart.com/featured/la-local-news/content/2025-05-08-socal-edison-tower-removed-for-eaton-fire-investigation/
  4. https://energized.edison.com/stories/sce-removes-transmission-towers-for-examination
  5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF-zu2VTAys