Power lines blamed in Brea fire
An electrical discharge from poorly maintained power lines caused a fire in November in Brea that destroyed three homes and a school, police said Friday.
Sgt. Bill Smyser said that the investigation showed the fire was not intentionally set but that a criminal negligence charge was possible.
The power lines blamed for the fire are owned by Los Angeles-based BreitBurn Management Co. The flames consumed at least 1,500 acres and destroyed the main building of Brea Canyon High School before merging with another blaze to create the Freeway Complex fire, which burned hundreds of homes.
BreitBurn attorney Greg Brown said the company was cooperating with the investigation and questioned why police would release what he called “partial findings.”
The case will be submitted for review to Orange County prosecutors.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
