The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) expresses its sympathy to all those who suffered property losses or were displaced or inconvenienced by the December 2017 Sylmar Creek Fire. LADWP’s investigation has concluded that LADWP’s equipment did not cause or contribute to the fire ignition. Any allegations to the contrary are simply inaccurate. It should also be noted that neither CalFire or the U.S.Forest Service has determined the cause of the Creek Fire or identified LADWP as a possible ignition source. Contrary to some media reports, LADWP had no “downed lines” or lines that needed repair.
Statements indicating LADWP electrical lines fell to the ground or were an ignition source have been determined to be inaccurate. The fire occurred in an area that is not serviced by LADWP distribution lines and contains only LADWP transmission lines. An LADWP transmission line did experience a momentary disruption during the fire, likely caused by soot and ash.
Power through the line was temporarily turned off for safety and was resumed soon thereafter. Additionally, contrary to some assertions, transmission lines in the area are well maintained including regular patrols to check vegetation growth, the integrity of the insulators, overhead lines and related equipment.
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