LOS ANGELES - One of the largest fires in California history was sparked by Southern California Edison power lines that came into contact during high winds, investigators said Wednesday. The Thomas fire destroyed more than a thousand structures in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties and resulted in the deaths of two people. ( Santa Barbara County Fire Department via AP,File / Mike Eliason )The arc “deposited hot, burning or molten material onto the ground, in a receptive fuel bed, causing the fire,” said a statement accompanying the investigative report. Southern California Edison didn’t immediately return a call seeking comment. The investigation was conducted by fire officials in both counties along with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Source: thestar March 13, 2019 21:14 UTC