LAGUNA BEACH, Calif.—Power line sparks have been identified this week as the cause of the Emerald fire that scorched over 150 acres and forced thousands to evacuate in February, city officials said recently.
An investigation by the Orange County Fire Authority found the fire was caused by high winds blowing sparks from three exposed high voltage power lines onto the nearby vegetation, officials said.
To prevent future fire hazards, Laguna Beach Mayor Sue Kempf and Mayor Pro Tem Bob Whalen called on utility provider Southern California Edison to move its power lines underground in Laguna Beach and along Laguna Canyon Road….