Investigators are currently looking into a billion-dollar energy firm for a possible connection to one of the LA wildfires.

Southern California Edison, a subsidiary of energy behemoth Edison International, has revealed that its system had a short circuit on Tuesday evening (7 January).

This coincided with the outbreak of the Hurst Fire. However, it is unclear whether the incident occurred before or after the fire erupted.

The Hurst Fire has so far destroyed 800 acres of land, and the company has revealed that they found the conductor on the Eagle Rock Sylmar 220 kV circuit.

“On 10 January, Southern California Edison (SCE) filed an Electric Safety Incident Report (ESIR) related to the Hurst Fire. Once SCE learned, fire agencies are investigating whether SCE equipment was involved in the ignition, which is a triggering event for reporting.”  Edison International announced this in a press release.

“SCE stated that the fire occurred around 10:10 p.m. on January 7, and early data indicates that the Eagle Rock-Sylmar 220 kV circuit encountered a relay around 10:11 p.m.

The Eagle Rock – Sylmar 220 kV circuit had a downed powerline at a tower.

“SCE does not know whether the damage observed occurred before or after the start of the fire.”

Regarding the Eaton incident, Edison stated that SCE conducted an investigation of the nearby equipment and found ‘no disruptions or operational/electrical irregularities in the 12 hours prior to the fire’s alleged start time until more than one hour after the fire’.

Following a drop in the stock market, the corporation has declared that it will donate $1 million (£820,000) ‘to community-based organizations to help relief efforts and aid people affected by the wildfires.’.

“We are proud to support nonprofits that provide critical services to our customers and employees, and we are grateful for contributions from other Southern California companies that have stepped up to help our communities during this difficult time,” said Pedro J. Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International.

“We stand alongside them in providing aid and support to those in need, as their collective efforts demonstrate the strength and resilience of our region.”

Since January 7, the SCE has restored power to more than 500,000 customers; however, 62,662 people remain without power as of 5:30 a.m. on January 12.

“Severe equipment damage and access restrictions in areas impacted by wildfire may lead to restoration times taking longer than usual, from several days to, in some instances, weeks.” They said.

“Thousands of SCE employees and contractors are working alongside mutual assistance crews 24/7 to restore power.”

“We greatly appreciate the dedicated efforts of SCE’s employees and mutual assistance colleagues who are working around the clock to support our communities during this challenging time,” said Steven D. Powell, president and CEO of SCE.

“Their unwavering commitment and hard work are truly commendable.”

The Los Angeles County coroner’s office reports that the Palisades fire caused eight of the 24 deaths from the LA wildfires, with the Eaton fire accounting for 16.