Pacific Gas & Electric warned that it could shut down power to 44,000 California customers beginning Monday because of potentially dry, gusty wind conditions. This could increase the chance of electrical equipment starting fires.
The National Weather Service has issued a red warning about extreme fire danger beginning Sunday night. This is due to the possibility of offshore winds developing in parts of central and northern California. The warning will continue through Tuesday night, with the strongest winds expected Monday.
PG&E stated that high winds and dry vegetation could increase the chance of trees colliding with power lines, causing wildfires.
After an investigation revealed that the equipment responsible for the Camp Fire, which decimated most of Paradise’s population, was intentionally shutting down power to the utility in the fall 2019. The company filed for bankruptcy, and pleaded guilty involuntary to 84 counts related to the 2018 fire.
The company faces many criminal charges, including those for fires started by fraying equipment. Last month, four people were killed in a wildfire in the vicinity of Redding.
