The magnitude 4.4 earthquake on Aug. 12 was centered within one of the region’s most potentially destructive fault systems, one capable of producing a magnitude 7.5 earthquake under the heart of the region.

That is a marked contrast from some destructive fires to hit the region in recent years.

The practice of planned, public safety power shutoffs began after downed power lines were found to have started some of California’s deadliest and most destructive fires.

The tally placed the blaze as the third most destructive wildfire in Southern California since at least 2013.

"If we do not generate better evidence, the destructive, polarised debate will continue."