Critical fire weather arrives in Northern California’s interior; PG&E cuts power to 8,400 customers

Northern California’s interior is facing a critical fire weather situation as gusty winds and low humidity create a high risk of wildfires. To mitigate potential ignition in these blustery conditions, a utility company, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), has proactively cut off electricity to approximately 8,400 customers.

The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings for critical fire danger, which are expected to remain in effect until 8 p.m. across much of the Sacramento Valley and adjacent western areas. These warnings highlight the precarious fire conditions brought about by the gusty northerly winds that followed a low-pressure trough passing through the region on Tuesday.

The proactive power shutoffs, designed to prevent fires from starting due to downed power lines or wind-related damage, were initiated by PG&E shortly before 2 a.m. in specific portions of eight counties. Customers located in areas identified as having a high threat of fire were informed in advance about the power shutoffs, as stated by the utility.

The issue of power shutoffs has gained prominence after a devastating fire destroyed the Maui community of Lahaina in Hawaii. The Hawaiian Electric Company is facing criticism for failing to cut power despite high winds and dry conditions, while the utility acknowledges that its lines started the fire.

In the case of Wednesday’s power cuts, this marks PG&E’s first instance of such shutoffs since 2021. The utility initially implemented these measures in 2019, which affected nearly 2 million individuals across Northern California, leading to significant backlash. To address these concerns, PG&E has improved its grid infrastructure by installing more circuit switches, enabling a more precise identification of customers who will be impacted by power loss.

Furthermore, PG&E has deployed hundreds of weather stations in fire-prone areas, totaling close to 1,500 units. These stations provide crucial information about the presence and duration of fire-conducive conditions. Fortunately, California has experienced fewer widespread wildfires this year due to an exceptionally wet winter and a gradual snowpack melt during the cool spring. Additionally, recent downpours from Tropical Storm Hilary have further dampened large parts of the southern half of the state.

While major fires have been limited to specific regions, notably the southeastern desert and sparsely populated northwest corner of the state where lightning-triggered blazes have occurred, the focus remains on preventing the devastating consequences of wildfires through proactive measures.

Reported by Antczak from Los Angeles.

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More about Wildfire Prevention

• National Weather Service Red Flag Warnings
• PG&E’s Proactive Power Shutoffs
• Enhancements in PG&E’s Grid Infrastructure
• California’s Wildfire Season in 2023
• Impact of Tropical Storm Hilary