FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — PG&E is warning thousands of customers across California that they could lose power as potentially strong winds and dry conditions raise the risk of wildfires.
The utility is considering public safety power shutoffs in portions of 29 California counties. If deemed necessary, the shutoffs could begin Wednesday evening and continue through Saturday afternoon.
In Central California, nearly 4,000 customers in Fresno County could be affected, along with more than 1,700 in Madera County, more than 900 in Mariposa County and just under 300 people in Tulare County.
PG&E estimates about 70,000 customers could be affected statewide.
The utility is monitoring weather conditions to determine whether the shutoffs will be necessary. The strong winds can blow tree limbs and debris into power lines, potentially sparking a fire if the lines are energized.
For Auberry resident Henry Crowe, the possibility of wildfire is particularly concerning.
“It is worrisome because if there is a fire it spreads quickly. The mountains are all dry up here,” Crowe said.
Crowe recalled seeing the Creek Fire approach his home.
“When we had the big Creek Fire and the smoke came over the hill towards our house and you could see the flames,” Crowe said.
“They won’t take place all at the same time; some areas could start tomorrow, but we’re going to be monitoring conditions for the next two or three days,” Smith said.
The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office alerted residents on social media about the possibility of shutoffs.
The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is also preparing for the potential loss of power by ensuring its Emergency Operations Center is fully staffed and adding more deputies in foothill communities.
“We also want to deter anybody who may take advantage of the power outages. But also if somebody’s phone does not work or it’s not charged and they need to flag us down, hopefully we’re driving past,” Madera County Sheriff’s Office representative Kate Woertman said.
PG&E says it is working to identify community resource centers for areas that could be affected by the Public Safety Power Shutoffs. The Madera County Sheriff’s Office says its Oakhurst substation will also be open for people who need a place to charge their devices.
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