Over a week after a series of fierce wildfires swept through parts of Los Angeles, many details about what ignited these devastating blazes remain unclear. These fires have claimed at least 25 lives, destroyed numerous neighborhoods, and forced tens of thousands to evacuate their homes.

Meteorologists and experts indicate that a combination of severe weather conditions contributed to the rapid spread of the fires: winds comparable to those of hurricanes, very low humidity levels, and ongoing drought.

In addition to identifying the fires’ origins, investigators are examining the lack of water supply and issues with fire hydrant pressure in Pacific Palisades, a wealthy area severely impacted by one of the fires. Authorities noted that the local water system was overwhelmed.

While officials have yet to announce the definitive causes of the fires, various lawsuits and statements from the area’s significant utility company have shed light on potential explanations.

Here’s what we know so far:

Palisades Fire

The Palisades Fire was first reported on the morning of January 7. Driven by strong Santa Ana winds, the fire surged dramatically in size, growing to nearly 3,000 acres within a mere 24 hours, resulting in chaotic evacuation efforts that had people abandoning their vehicles amidst traffic jams.

By the following week, this fire had obliterated thousands of buildings, devastated entire communities, claimed at least eight lives, and became the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles’s history.

While officials have not specified what initiated the fire, recent investigations have focused on a ridgeline in western Los Angeles where it is thought to have begun. This area is favored by hikers and outdoor lovers for its trails with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and the affluent Pacific Palisades locale. Investigators have been photographed examining the area now covered in ash and cordoned off by police tape.

On New Year’s Day, a fire ignited in that same area, reportedly triggered by fireworks, according to various news sources. The Los Angeles Fire Department managed to respond to this incident, keeping the fire contained to eight acres with no reports of damage or injuries.

“Firefighters established a hose line around the perimeter of the fire and effectively contained it,” stated a summary from the Los Angeles Fire Department. “Some resources will be released as mop-up operations proceed to prevent any flare-ups.”

Cal Fire previously cautioned state residents that wildfires can reignite long after they appear to be under control. “Areas within the fire scar can smolder and spark again weeks later,” Cal Fire noted in a July social media post, advising residents to heed roadblocks and safety perimeters.

It remains uncertain if the earlier fire is connected to the Palisades Fire, which spread across an area roughly the size of Miami.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has sent its National Response Team to investigate the cause of the Palisades Fire, as announced on Monday. The team will divide its responsibilities, with one group assessing damage, debris, and burn patterns at the origin site, while the other gathers information such as surveillance footage, digital evidence, and witness testimonies.

“ATF is wholly committed to providing clarity to the Pacific Palisades community,” stated Jose Medina, acting special agent in charge of the ATF Los Angeles Field Division. “These wildfires have caused immeasurable grief and destruction. ATF is determined to utilize every available resource to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation.”

Eaton Fire

The Eaton Fire has scorched over 14,000 acres, devastating the historic Altadena neighborhood and parts of Pasadena since it began on January 7. Authorities have attributed the deaths of at least 17 individuals to this fire.

While fire officials have not released the fire’s specific cause, several lawsuits filed this week claim that it was sparked by equipment from Southern California Edison, the largest power provider in the area.

One lawsuit includes eyewitness accounts of a fire near one of the utility’s towers and mentions data indicating that electrical grid issues occurred prior to the fire igniting – a point the company disputes.

In a report to investors, the utility affirmed that its equipment had not been identified as the fire’s source, adding that no irregularities in its transmission lines were noted until after the fire commenced. However, the report also stated that attorneys for insurance companies asked Southern California Edison to preserve equipment that might be associated with the fire.

“No fire agency has indicated that SCE’s electrical infrastructure contributed to the ignition nor requested the retention or removal of any SCE equipment,” the company stated in its report.

In a further statement, they added: “SCE conducted a preliminary examination of electrical circuit data for the four live transmission lines in the Eaton Canyon area. That examination revealed no interruptions or operational/electrical anomalies during the 12 hours leading up to the fire’s reported start time and for more than one hour after the reported initiation of the fire.”

Hurst Fire

The Hurst Fire ignited on January 7 and has consumed nearly 800 acres in the northern San Fernando Valley, near Sylmar.

Cal Fire has not specified a cause for this fire, reiterating that it is still under investigation. Southern California Edison reported that fire agencies are looking into whether its equipment may have sparked the blaze.

The utility company noted that a downed power line was discovered close to the fire’s origin, but it remains uncertain when this downed line occurred.

“SCE is uncertain if the observed damage happened before or after the fire started,” the company stated in a release.

Contributing: Jeanine Santucci, Michael Loria; Reuters