III. ACCIDENTS INVOLVING VIOLATIONS

The following are accidents that occurred on SCE property during the past three years (1998 through 2000), were investigated by the CSD, and involve violations of GO95, GO128, or GO165.

April 16, 1998 - Marina Del Rey

On April 16, 1998, an aboveground pad-mounted transformer located at 14013 Old Harbor Lane, in Marina Del Rey, failed, resulting in a violent explosion and fire. The explosion caused several windows in a nearby condominium building to break. Fortunately, there were no people around the structure when the explosion occurred.

An investigation of the incident conducted by the CSD found that the transformer failed due to low oil level caused by a corrosion leak. Review of SCE maintenance records by the CSD found that the transformer was last inspected on February 26, 1998, and the inspecting crew had noted that the transformer was "leaking oil badly" and that action had to be taken "ASAP," but SCE failed to take appropriate action.

The CSD found SCE in violation of GO128, Rule 12.2, requiring systems to be maintained in a condition which will secure safety to the public and property.

May 26, 1998 - Newbury Park

On May 26, 1998, an employee of a subcontractor of an SCE contractor, who was hired to paint SCE's aboveground pad-mounted transformer casings, came in contact with live conductors inside a transformer structure located at 204 Bluefield Avenue, Newbury Park. He sustained burns to his arms and knees.

The CSD's investigation determined that SCE's work request to the contractor did not clearly state that the transformer structures were not to be opened, nor did it warn the contractor about the presence of exposed live conductors inside the structure. In addition, SCE supplied locks to the contractor's employees to be used for locking the transformer casing after they accessed the inside of the structures. All this indicates that SCE was aware that non-SCE employees would be exposed to high voltage facilities, but failed to determine whether they were qualified to do so. In fact, the injured employee told the CSD investigator in an interview that he had been painting the insides of SCE transformer structures for months without knowing that he was not qualified to open them.

The CSD found SCE in violation of GO128, Rule 17.1, which requires that owners of electric systems exercise due care to reduce to a minimum the hazard of accidental injury to their own or fellow employees.

During CSD's investigation of this accident, it requested from SCE information regarding any instructions provided by SCE to the subcontractor who was performing work on SCE's pad-mounted transformers. SCE's response stated that SCE personnel were unaware that the subcontractor was accessing the pad-mounted transformers and that SCE had contracted the work with the main contractor, who in turn had contracted the work with the subcontractor without SCE's knowledge. Further investigation by the Commission's Utilities Safety Branch revealed that an SCE employee had testified in a deposition that SCE was aware that the subcontractor was repairing the transformers and that the contractor had been given access to work on the interior of the transformers.

Providing incomplete or inaccurate information to staff during its investigation is a violation of Rule 1 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure.

June 21, 1998 - Lancaster

On June 21, 1998, a person was fatally injured when he climbed an SCE pole located at 47807 50^th Street East in Lancaster, allegedly to steal SCE property for salvage, and came in contact with an energized transformer fuse holder.

The CSD's investigation found that the overhead transformer and two fuse holders on the pole that was climbed were abandoned. The investigation determined that the last customer served from the transformer was disconnected on January 24, 1998 and that there were no pending business meter orders for that location.

The CSD requested from SCE an explanation as to why the idle transformer had not been removed, since service to the demolished house it was supplying power to was disconnected. SCE's response stated that there was an outstanding new business meter order for service. However, after CSD requested a copy of the business order, SCE could not provide a copy. SCE then stated that it had not determined the facilities to be permanently abandoned. In March 1999, after numerous verbal inquiries from the CSD staff on the status of the facilities, SCE stated the pole was "presently idle with no pending work order for service."

The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rule 31.6, which requires abandoned lines or portions of lines to be removed so that that they do not become a public nuisance or a hazard to life or property. In addition, providing incomplete or inaccurate information to staff during its investigation is a violation of Rule 1 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure.

August 29, 1998 - Hacienda Heights

On August 29, 1998, a fire started at 15371 East Pintura Drive, in Hacienda Heights, causing property damage to the house at that location. The CSD's investigation found that SCE's tree trimming contractor, Asplundh Tree Expert Company, had observed, during an inspection on August 18, 1998, that the clearance between SCE's 12,000 Volt conductor and Cypress tree branches at the above address was only six inches. Asplundh was denied access to the property by the customer and did not trim the Cypress tree. No follow up action was taken by SCE to remedy the situation.

The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rule 35, which requires a minimum clearance of 18 inches to be maintained at all times between conductors of 750 to 22,500 Volts and vegetation. The CSD found that SCE was in noncompliance with Rule 35 before Asplundh's August 18, 1998, inspection of the tree, for allowing the clearance between the tree branches and the 12,000-Volt conductor to drop to six inches. According to the CSD, SCE failed to take appropriate action in a timely manner to eliminate the fire hazard.

September 16, 1998 - Santa Ana

On September 16, 1998, an employee of a demolition contractor received flash burns when an underground SCE BURD-type switch exploded at 4401 West McArthur Boulevard, in Santa Ana. According to SCE, the contractor's employees working on the demolition removed the cover of the underground structure and then tried to remove energized cables from inside the structure, causing the explosion.

During the investigation of the incident, the CSD observed that the underground structure cover did not have markings identifying the structure's ownership. GO128, Rule 17.8, requires manholes, hand holes and subsurface equipment to be marked as to ownership "to facilitate identification by persons authorized to work therein and by other workers performing work in the vicinity." The CSD found SCE in violation of GO128, Rule 17.8.

October 5, 1998 - Ontario

On October 5, 1998, a palm tree came in contact with SCE's 12,000-Volt conductors causing a fire, which damaged a fence, shrubs and grass at 212 East "H" Street, in Ontario. The CSD's investigation found that the palm tree was listed on SCE's line clearing records to be trimmed on August 18, 1998. However, SCE failed to trim the tree.

The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rule 35, which requires a minimum clearance of 18 inches to be maintained at all times between conductors of 750 to 22,500-Volts and vegetation.

October 15, 1998 - Alhambra

On October 15, 1998, a lineman, working for a cable television company's contractor, contacted an energized SCE ground wire and a grounded guy wire while working on a pole at 415 North Garfield Avenue, in Alhambra. He received an electric shock and fell 15 feet to the ground. He suffered fractures to his left arm and rib.

The CSD's field investigation found that the portion of SCE's ground wire that the lineman contacted had damaged covering and was exposed. The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rule 54.6, which requires ground wires attached to poles to be covered throughout their length by a suitable protective covering.

November 14, 1998 - Altadena

On November 14, 1998, a tree trimmer in the process of trimming an avocado tree at 3474 Fair Oaks Avenue, in Altadena, with a saw attached to an aluminum swimming pool pole came in contact with SCE's 16,000-Volt conductors and was fatally injured.

The CSD's investigation found that the crossarm on the SCE pole supporting the 16,000-Volt conductors did not have a "High Voltage" sign as required by GO95. The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rule 51.6A, which requires poles that support line conductors of more than 750 Volts to be marked with "High Voltage" signs.

November 17, 1998 - Camarillo

On November 17, 1998, an SCE Lineman was working on a pad-mounted transformer located at the corner of Esteban Drive and Corriente Court, in Camarillo, when he came in contact with an energized 16,000-Volt conductor. He received third degree burns to his right hand and left finger.

The CSD's investigation found that the pad-mounted structure, which contained exposed 16,000-Volt conductors, did not have warning signs posted inside the structure. The CSD found SCE in violation of GO128, Rule 35.3, which requires warning signs indicating high voltage to be installed inside pad-mounted transformer compartments containing exposed live parts above 750 Volts.

November 23, 1998 - Rancho Palos Verdes

On November 23, 1998, an employee of a contractor working for a cable television company was injured when he came in contact with SCE's underground 12,000-Volt cable, while installing a copper ground rod at 28024 Ridgebrook Court, in Rancho Palos Verdes. He sustained second and third degree burns to his back, wrists and lower leg.

The CSD's investigation found that the contractor had requested facility mark-out of the work area through Underground Service Alert, a one call system. However, SCE failed to mark its underground cable correctly. The CSD found SCE in violation of GO128, Rule 17.7, which requires each party operating or owning underground electric facilities to provide, upon request, facility location information to any party contemplating underground work in the vicinity of its underground facilities.

December 10, 1998 - Corona

On December 10, 1998, an employee of an SCE contractor was in the process of replacing downed SCE 12,000-Volt energized conductors at 5215 Green River Road, in Corona, without being aware that the conductors were energized. He came in contact with one of the conductors and suffered 1st degree burns to his hand and foot.

The CSD's investigation found that SCE's damage assessment team had patrolled the same circuit and had observed an unsafe condition (primary conductor attached to a steel bar using an insulated wire) at the above location. The damage assessment team failed to give that information to the contractor. The contractor started working on the conductors at that location without de-energizing the circuit. The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rule 31.1, which requires owners and operators of electric systems to exercise due care to minimize the hazard of accidental injury to their own or fellow employees.

December 18, 1998 - Inglewood

On December 18, 1998, a tree trimmer was in the process of removing a rubber tree at 10112 Felton Avenue, in Inglewood, when the tree-cutting tool he was using came in contact with SCE's 16,000-Volt conductors. The tree trimmer was fatally injured as a result of the contact.

The CSD's investigation found that, at the time of the accident, SCE's 16,000-Volt conductors were in contact with the rubber tree. In addition, the investigation found that the crossarm on the pole supporting the 16,000-Volt conductors did not have a "High Voltage" sign. The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rule 35, which requires a minimum of 18-inches to be maintained between conductors of 750-22,500 Volts and vegetation at all times. The CSD further found SCE in violation of GO95, Rule 51.6A, which requires poles that support line conductors of more than 750 Volts to be marked with "High Voltage" signs

February 5, 1999 - Corona

On February 5, 1999, an individual was injured while in the process of installing a marbelite streetlight pole on Radio Road, north of Sampson Avenue, in Corona. The pole was being lifted by crane and while he was positioning its base it came in contact with SCE's 12,000-Volt overhead conductor. He sustained third degree burns to his right foot.

The CSD's investigation found that the south face crossarm of the pole north of the point of contact did not have a "High Voltage" sign. The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rule 51.6, which requires marking of poles supporting conductors of more than 750 Volts.

July 20, 1999 - Long Beach

On July 20, 1999, a contractor working for the County of Los Angeles was installing a sewer main on Daisy Avenue, south of Pacific Coast Highway, in Long Beach. While boring holes in the asphalt roadway, the auger equipment that was being used came in contact with SCE's underground 12,000-Volt cable. One of the contractor's employees was injured from the resulting explosion. He received 2nd degree burns to his face, upper chest and right arm.

The CSD's investigation found that the contractor had requested facility mark-out of the work area through Underground Service Alert, but SCE's marking and locating contractor, Underground Technology Incorporated, had failed to mark the 12,000-Volt cable. In addition, the CSD found that the aperture cards that SCE provided to Underground Technology Incorporated to be utilized for locating and marking SCE's facilities were inaccurate.

The CSD found SCE in violation of GO128, Rule 17.7, which requires each party operating or owning underground electric facilities to provide, upon request, facility location information to any party contemplating underground work in the vicinity of its underground facilities. Further, the CSD found SCE in violation of GO128, Rule 17.7A, which requires each party operating or owning facilities to maintain necessary records to comply with Rule 17.7.

July 23, 1999 - Sun City

On July 23, 1999, two persons, ages 15 and 18, broke into an SCE pad-mounted structure located at the intersection of Bavaria Drive and Tate Road, in Sun City. One of the persons was injured when he stuck a stick into the fuse carrier ring inside the pad-mounted structure. He received first and second degree burns to his hands and face and an exit wound on his leg.

The CSD's investigation found that the pad-mounted structure did not have a warning sign on its exterior surface. The CSD found SCE in violation of GO128, Rule 35.3, which requires warning signs on the exterior surface of pad-mounted structures containing exposed live parts above 750 Volts.

August 27, 1999 - Hesperia

On August 27, 1999, an eight-acre brush fire ignited at 3953 Wells Road, in Hesperia, originating from an SCE "triplex" (a three wire insulated service drop) cable with insulation that was deteriorated from contact with an elm tree.

The CSD's investigation found that SCE failed to take necessary action to prevent the abrasion of the "triplex" cable when the circuit was patrolled less than two months before the accident. The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rule 35, which requires tree abrasion conditions on circuits of 0-750 Volts to be corrected by slacking or rearranging the line, trimming the tree, or placing mechanical protection on the conductor.

September 19, 1999 - Monrovia

On September 19, 1999, a person was injured while trying to retrieve his son's toy rocket caught on SCE's 16,000-Volt overhead conductors with an aluminum extension pole at 171 North Alta Vista, in Monrovia. He received third degree burns to approximately sixty percent of his body.

The CSD's investigation found that the crossarm on the pole supporting the 16,000-Volt conductors did not have "High Voltage" marking. The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rule 51.6, which requires "High Voltage" marking on poles supporting conductors above 750 Volts.

September 19, 1999 - Simi Valley

On September 19, 1999, a palm tree caught fire at 3248 Amarillo Avenue in Simi Valley. The CSD's investigation found that the fire was caused by the tree's contact with SCE's 16,000-Volt conductor. The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rule 35, which requires an 18-inch clearance between conductors of 750-22,500 Volts and vegetation to be maintained at all times.

November 5, 1999 - Palm Springs

On November 5, 1999, a palm tree in contact with SCE's 4,000-Volt conductor caused a fire which damaged two sheds, landscaping and the roof of a motel at 568 Warm Sands, in Palm Springs. The accident was reported to the CSD on March 14, 2000.

The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rule 35, which requires an 18-inch clearance between conductors of 750-22,500 Volts and vegetation to be maintained at all times. The CSD also found SCE in violation of Commission Decision 96-11-004, Appendix B, which requires such accidents to be reported to the CSD within two hours of the utility's becoming aware of the accident.

November 15, 1999 - Pomona

On November 15, 1999, a fire damaged apartment complexes at 1516, 1540, and 1534 Cardova Street, in Pomona. The fire started when a portion of SCE's 12,000-Volt conductor fell across the garages located in the alley at the rear of the complexes.

The CSD's investigation found that the conductor failed at the splice from material fatigue. The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rules 44.1 and 44.2, which require safety factors to be maintained for conductors and equipment.

November 19, 1999 - Valencia

On November 19, 1999, a three-member SCE crew was injured from a flash, which occurred when the crew cut into an energized 16,000-Volt underground cable near New Road and Constitution Road, in Valencia. The crew members suffered second and third degree burns to their arms and faces.

The CSD's investigation found that the SCE crew identified, de-energized and tagged a cable, which they believed was the cable they needed to isolate. The crew then began to cut into another cable, assuming that it was the cable that they had de-energized. The incorrect assumption was due to the fact that SCE records did not reflect the existence of two cables at the incident location.

The CSD found SCE in violation of GO 128, Rule 17.1, which requires owners of underground electric supply systems and their employees to exercise, at all times, due care to reduce to a minimum the hazard of accidental injury to their own or fellow employees.

November 20, 1999 - Pomona

On November 20, 1999, an SCE lineman was climbing a pole near the intersection of Reservoir Road and the 60 Freeway, in order to transfer existing overhead facilities to a new pole. The lineman lost his footing, fell 20 feet to the ground and injured his legs as a result of the fall.

The CSD's investigation found that the pole was not stepped. The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rule 91.3, which requires joint poles with vertical risers or runs to be stepped.

December 20, 1999 - Baldwin Park

Two SCE employees were working at the top of a pole located near the Central Elementary School, in Baldwin Park, when the pole collapsed, causing both of them to fall and become unconscious. The two employees suffered head and back injuries as a result of the fall.

The CSD's investigation found that a four-foot deep trench had been dug down to the base of the pole in preparation for the installation of conduit for SCE owned cable, which affected the pole's integrity and stability. The CSD also found that the depth of the pole did not meet the pole depth requirements in GO95, Table 6. The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Table 6, and GO95, Rule 31.1, which requires owners and employees of electric systems to exercise due care to minimize the hazard of accidental injury.

January 28, 2000 - Agoura

On January 28, 2000, an employee of an SCE contractor was installing a crossarm on a new SCE pole at 28448 Roadside Drive, in Agoura, when a contact occurred between an energized 16,000-Volt conductor and a bonded insulator pin on the crossarm. The contact created a flash causing first and second degree burns to the employee.

The CSD's investigation found that the employee was violating several safety rules: 1) He did not place insulating barriers on the energized conductors to prevent any moving parts from making contact with them; 2) He was up in the bucket by himself; and 3) He did not wear proper protective clothing (rubber sleeves). In addition, the employee's supervisor was at the scene while the employee violated the safety rules. The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rule 31.1, which requires owners and operators of electric systems to exercise due care to minimize the hazard of accidental injury to their own or fellow employees.

March 1, 2000 - Emerald Bay

On March 1, 2000, a laborer, employed by a contractor installing water drainage basins at Valley Inn Drive, near Bay Crest, in Emerald Bay, was injured when he cut into an SCE underground PVC conduit containing 12,000-Volt cables. He sustained second degree burns to his right arm.

The CSD's investigation found that the contractor had requested facility markings through Underground Service Alert for the excavation. However, SCE had failed to mark the underground duct containing the 12,000-Volt cables. The laborer assumed that the conduit was an abandoned water line.

April 7, 2000 - Rancho Palos Verdes

On April 7, 2000, two SCE employees were burned when they started working on an energized pad-mounted transformer at Hawthorne and Indian Valley, in Rancho Palos Verdes. The first employee suffered fatal injuries. The second employee suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns to his upper body. Another SCE employee sustained minor burns when he came to the aid of the two employees.

The CSD's investigation found that the two employees did not receive clear instructions from their supervisor, who was on site, regarding the equipment on which work was to be performed. In addition, both employees were not using personal protective equipment or tools to perform the work.

The CSD found SCE in violation of GO128, Rule 17.1, which requires owners of underground electric supply systems and their employees to exercise, at all times, due care to reduce to a minimum the hazard of accidental injury to their own or fellow employees.

May 1, 2000 - Orange

On May 1, 2000, a telephone company technician was working from a ladder on a pole at 597 North Tustin Street, in Orange, when she came in contact with an exposed SCE ground wire. She received a shock and fell 12 feet to the ground. She sustained a cracked pelvic bone, a cracked sacrum and hand injuries.

The CSD's investigation found that the ground molding covering the SCE ground wire was broken, causing the ground wire to be exposed. The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rule 54.6B, which requires electric supply system ground wires attached to the surface of poles to be covered throughout their length.

May 29, 2000 - Santa Fe Springs

On May 29, 2000, a fire ignited at 11408 Kinghorn Street, in Santa Fe Springs, when fault current on a 12,000-Volt conductor, which was in contact with a palm tree, caused the conductor to fall onto a garage. The downed conductor caused damage to a roof. In addition, the resulting fault current caused damage to appliances inside the building.

The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rule 35, which requires that an 18-inch clearance be maintained at all times between vegetation and conductors of 750-22,500 Volts.

July 3, 2000 - Inglewood

On July 3, 2000, an 11-year old girl attending a swimming pool party at 10410 South 1st Avenue, in Inglewood, came in contact with an SCE service drop wire while climbing a swimming pool slide ladder. She was fatally injured as a result of the contact.

The CSD's investigation found that the service drop had only three feet of vertical clearance above the pool slide ladder. In addition, the covering on the service drop conductors had deteriorated and the conductors were bare. The last SCE annual patrol on the circuit was conducted on April 29, 1999.

The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95 Rule 37, which requires an eight-foot vertical service drop clearance over walkable surfaces and Rule 49.4, which requires service drop conductors to be covered. In addition, the CSD found SCE in violation of GO165 for exceeding the one-year maximum period between circuit patrols.

July 31, 2000 - Montclair

On July 31, 2000, an employee of a wireless communication company was installing a wireless FM receiver on a street light pole at 4160 Kingsley Street, in Montclair, when he made contact with an SCE 12,000-Volt conductor with a metal strap. He suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns to his forearm and left hand.

The CSD's investigation found that the SCE 12,000-Volt conductors were passing directly above the street light pole with a vertical clearance of four feet and five inches. The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rule 37, which requires a minimum six-foot radial clearance between supply conductors of 750-22,500 Volts and street light poles.

August 4, 2000 - Inglewood:

On August 4, 2000, a service drop conductor, with deteriorated covering, came in contact with the metal roof of an apartment building at 901 East La Brea Drive, in Inglewood, and caused a fire.

The CSD's investigation found that the service drop covering had deteriorated as a result of long and continuous contact with a palm tree. The CSD's investigation also found that SCE conducted a detailed inspection, which it also considers its annual circuit patrol, of the circuit on July 27, 2000, However, SCE failed to record or correct the situation.

The CSD found SCE in violation of GO165, Section IV, which requires that facilities be inspected to assure safe operation. In addition, the CSD found SCE in violation of GO165, Appendix A, for exceeding the maximum one-year period between annual patrols.

August 8, 2000 - Apple Valley

On August 8, 2000, a fire ignited at 20548 Tonawana Avenue causing damage to approximately 90 feet of the property's wooden fence.

The CSD's investigation found that the fire was caused by a "triplex" type service drop cable with insulation that was deteriorated from contact with a tree. The CSD further found that on August 6, 2000, an SCE troubleman had discovered that the insulation on the service drop had deteriorated and had made a temporary repair with the intent of replacing the "triplex" cable on August 10, 2000.

The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rule 35, which requires tree abrasion conditions on circuits of 0-750 Volts to be corrected by slacking or rearranging the line, trimming the tree, or placing mechanical protection on the conductor.

August 11, 2000 - Cypress

On August 11, 2000, a roof framer, working on the roof of a newly constructed house at 8151 Gay Street, in Cypress, came in contact with an SCE 12,000-Volt conductor and fell from the roof striking a block wall below. He suffered second and third degree burns to his torso, shoulder and left thigh from the electrical contact and head trauma and multiple lacerations from the fall.

The CSD's investigation found that the vertical clearance of the 12,000-Volt conductor over the roof was less than 10 feet and did not meet the minimum clearance requirements specified by GO95. In addition, the CSD found that SCE was aware that the house was being constructed at the location under its power lines. The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rule 37, which specifies a minimum vertical clearance of 12 feet.

September 18, 2000 - Monterey Park

On September 18, 2000, a painter standing in a metal painter's swing attached to the wall at 2009 Garfield Avenue, in Monterey Park, contacted SCE's 16,000-Volt conductor with a metal painting pole. He received flash burns to his chest and arm.

The CSD's investigation found that the crossarm supporting the 16,000-Volt conductor contacted did not have "High Voltage" markings. The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rule 51.6, which requires "High Voltage" markings on poles supporting conductors above 750 Volts.

October 12, 2000 - Valencia

On October 12, 2000, an SCE lineman installing new conductors on an SCE pole on Valencia Boulevard, west of I-5 freeway, in Valencia, was injured when the new, de-energized 66,000-Volt conductor he was installing came in contact with energized 16,000-Volt conductors installed on the same pole one level below. The employee suffered second and third degree burns to his face, hands, neck and upper torso.

The CSD's investigation found that the SCE crew working on the installation did not de-energize the 16,000-Volt conductors and only covered one of its phases with an insulated covering, even though all three phases were in the vicinity of the work area. The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rule 31.1, which requires owners and operators of electric systems to exercise due care to minimize the hazard of accidental injury to their own or fellow employees.

December 14, 2000 - Palm Springs

On December 14, 2000, two SCE linemen were working on a pole at 443 Santa Elena, in Palm Springs, when the guy wire anchor supporting the pole broke and caused the pole to break at the butt. The two linemen were injured as a result of the accident.

The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rules 44.1 and 44.2, which specify the minimum safety factors to be established and maintained for poles, guy wires and pole line hardware.

December 19, 2000 - Ventura

On December 19, 2000, a fire burned 40 acres of grass and vegetation at Crimea Street Fire Road, north of Church Street, in Ventura. The fire was ignited when 16,000-Volt SCE conductors broke and fell to the ground.

The CSD's investigation found that the through bolt supporting a crossarm with 16,000-Volt conductors, broke, causing the crossarm to be supported by only two metal flat bars. This resulted in a shock loading effect, causing the conductors to oscillate and one conductor to break from the insulators and fall to the ground. The CSD found SCE in violation of GO95, Rules 44.1 and 44.2, which specify the minimum safety factors to be established and maintained for crossarms and pole line hardware.