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Investigators: Southern California Edison equipment may have caused Bobcat Fire

Western Wildfires
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
The Bobcat Fire burns in the distance beyond a Joshua tree Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, in Juniper Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Western Wildfires
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As crews continue to battle fires throughout California investigators are looking into whether the Bobcat Fire was sparked by Southern California Edison equipment.

So-Cal Edison said it has turned over a section of an overhead conductor from a facility near the area where the Bobcat Fire started. The company said cameras captured smoke before the equipment in question experienced a disturbance.

It wouldn't be the first time the power company has been blamed for causing major wildfires. Last November, the power company agreed to pay $360 million to settle lawsuits over wildfires sparked by its equipment.

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WILDFIRE RESOURCES

ASSEMBLE AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT

Put together your emergency supply kit long before a wildfire or other disaster occurs and keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate.

Emergency Supply Kit Checklist:

  • Face masks or coverings
  • Three-day supply of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person
  • Map marked with at least two evacuation routes
  • Prescriptions or special medications
  • Change of clothing
  • Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • An extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash or traveler’s checks
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight
  • Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
  • Sanitation supplies
  • Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
  • Don’t forget pet food and water!

Items to take if time allows:

  • Easily carried valuables
  • Family photos and other irreplaceable items
  • Personal computer information on hard drives and disks
  • Chargers for cell phones, laptops, etc.

Always keep a sturdy pair of shoes and a flashlight near your bed and handy in case of a sudden evacuation at night.