That's the conclusion of an investigation by Cal Fire, which has the support of some.
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"If that's their judgment on it, I trust that judgment," says Frank Nappi, a Santa Rosa resident. "They investigated it, and I know they have the tools to do that."
Cal Fire's 80-page report is based on a witness statement, expert opinion and physical evidence. The report states that fire patterns at the site prove that the fire moved towards the nearby PG&E pole in question. And that there is "no evidence" showing PG&E's conductors were "charged" when they were severed or fell to the ground.
Calistoga's Mayor Chris Canning says the findings are no real surprise.
"Now, if you were to say PG&E was doing the study, that'd be a different story, for obvious reasons. But I have no reason to doubt Cal Fire at this point," explains Canning.
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Cal Fire also interviewed a caretaker of the Bennett Lane property, who says the private power pole was "wood-peckered so bad" that it was about to be replaced. Further evidence, for Cal Fire, that PG&E is not at fault.
But not everyone is so easily convinced. Stacy Willow, who grew up in Santa Rosa, says she wants more evidence-- and she doesn't want to the city to rely on an investigation conducted by just one source.
"There was a lot of fire. It's hard to determine what really happened with that much heat, I would assume," she says. "Hopefully they get somebody out there to get a second look."
Some law firms representing Tubbs Fire victims don't agree with Cal Fire's findings either and are conducting their own investigation.
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The report also found no violation of any state laws related to the fire.
To read Cal Fire's full report, go here.
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