Jan 27 (Reuters) - Southern California Edison, a unit of

utility Edison International ( EIX ), said on Monday preliminary

analysis of data showed a "momentary and expected increase in

current" on its energized lines in the Eaton Canyon corridor on

Jan. 7 evening.

Fire officials have not found SCE to be responsible for the

Los Angeles fires. But the company's infrastructure is being

investigated and it faces several lawsuits alleging its

equipment sparked the destructive Eaton fire.

The latest update from the company comes a day after a New

York Times report which included new video footage of electrical

arcing and analysis pointing towards Edison's equipment as

involved in the fire's ignition.

The company said on Monday it was reviewing the footage.

SCE had earlier said it did not have a fault on the

transmission lines until over one hour after the Eaton fire

started.

The utility, in a letter filed with the California Public

Utilities Commission (CPUC), maintained that the current

increase remained within the design limits and did not trigger

system protection on these lines.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department, which is the lead

agency investigating the origin and case of the Eaton fire, has

identified the preliminary origin area and asked SCE to preserve

in place its transmission facilities near the site.

Since it broke out on Jan. 7, the Eaton fire has scorched

14,021 acres (57 square km) east of Los Angeles, destroyed 9,418

structures, damaged 1,073 structures and caused 17 deaths. It

was 99% contained as of Monday, according to California's

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

SCE said it is complying with investigators' request, and

has also collected evidence from Eaton Canyon, including metal

items found on the ground near its towers and items from an

encampment located approximately 300 yards downhill from the

towers.

"Although the investigation remains ongoing, this update and

underlying evidence heavily suggest that SCE equipment was the

source of ignition for the Eaton Fire," Jefferies analysts said

in a note.

Edison International ( EIX ) shares were trading 1.8% lower in late

afternoon.