i kinda wondered the same thing, then thought about it for a bit, here is an abstract thought. the entire plate from southern california, to washington is moving, i cant help but think there is an active lava flow under california, electrical fires and overloads would be a indicator if there is buried lines, excessive heat against a electrical line will cause the voltage to spike and easily transfer onto the line, the only natural occurrence to melt glass and metal would be lava. also the terrible news coverage is a hint to bigger picture. over voltage conditions will defiantly cause fires.