Statement by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Concerning the Franklin Canyon Fire

“A LADWP power line relayed at approximately 12:57 p.m. yesterday, indicating trouble on the line behind the 1300 block of N. Beverly Drive in the City of Los Angeles. LA Fire Department personnel reported that downed power lines ignited the fire that was reported to authorities at approximately 1 p.m. The fire was spread by fast-moving winds estimated at up to 50 mph and damaged at least one home in the neighborhood, which lies within the City of Beverly Hills and appears to have sustained major damage.

“The LADWP will work together with the Fire Department to determine all of the facts involved in this matter and provide whatever information is requested in connection with their investigation. If it is ultimately determined that the LADWP bears responsibility in this matter, we will own up to it.

“As one of the largest property owners in the City of Los Angeles, we take our brush-clearing responsibilities seriously and work closely with the Fire Department to ensure that brush is cleared in advance of fire season. The LADWP has a long-standing relationship with the LAFD to conduct inspections on our property and clear brush, in full compliance with City and County ordinances.

“Given the extraordinarily dry weather experienced in Southern California this past winter, the LADWP had already begun efforts to expedite brush-clearing activities and will immediately conduct further assessment of all of our properties to determine whether additional brush clearance is needed.

“While we work together with the LAFD to fully investigate this matter, we would like to emphasize that it is entirely too early to draw conclusions or to speculate as to any other aspects of the investigation.”

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