SoCal Edison Investigated For Downed Conductor Near Hurst Fire

SYLMAR, CA — Fire authorities were investigating whether downed Southern California Edison utility equipment sparked the Hurst fire in the Sylmar area.

The Hurst Fire was reported around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 5900 block of Yarnell Street, near Foothill Boulevard, and within a half-hour had burned more than 100 acres, Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart said.

In a report released on Friday, SCE said their preliminary investigation found a downed conductor near an electrical tower in the area at 10:11 p.m Tuesday, minutes prior to the Hurst fire being reported.

However, the company issued a statement saying it was unsure whether the damage observed occurred before or after the fire.

As of 4 p.m. Sunday, the fire had burned 799 acres, while containment had grown from 76% to 89%, according to Cal Fire.

Evacuations were ordered for the area north of the Foothill (210) Freeway from Roxford Street to the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) Freeway split, but those orders were lifted Thursday.

All evacuation warnings were lifted Saturday once containment of the wind-driven fire reached 89%.

No structural damage has been reported.

FEMA awarded the state a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help fund the fight against the Hurst Fire, as it also did for the Palisades and Eaton fires, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom's office.

— City News Service