Malibu Helicopter Activity: Standard SCE Inspection

MALIBU, CA — You may have heard helicopter noises in Malibu on Wednesday morning, but it was just a routine Southern California Edison equipment check.

SCE on Wednesday surveyed utility poles in the Sweetwater area of Malibu, according to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, Lost Hills Station. SCE regularly uses low-flying helicopters to inspect utility poles and other electrical equipment to ensure the equipment is safe, according to SCE.

SCE equipment safety is of particular concern in Malibu considering the city's high wildfire risk. SCE equipment played a role in the devastating 2018 Woolsey fire; a loose wire owned by SCE was blown into a conductor which sparked the fire, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Recent power outages have raised city concern about SCE equipment safety in Malibu. SCE explained the outages and ongoing equipment repair efforts at a city council meeting in December.