FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — Low humidity, dry conditions and strong winds have prompted PG&E to begin power shutoffs in fire-prone areas, with outages expected to last into the weekend.
The prospect of extended outages has left some businesses concerned about potential losses.
Guy Goyette, of Prather Perks and Gifts in Prather, said his business relies on refrigeration and could lose about $1,000 if power is cut.
“We run on a refrigerator and a freezer we kind of have to have things cold,” he said. “We’re just gonna panic at the last minute. It means everything’s gonna spoil. It’s not like you could take it home because you’re still in the same area.”
With Red Flag warnings in place, CAL FIRE is increasing staffing levels and positioning resources across California in anticipation of heightened wildfire danger.
“We have staffed some camp and reserve engines. We have staffed some water tenders 20 for region response,” said Gary Couch of CAL FIRE.
“We did move crews down south to Ventura yesterday and they’re staging at the Ventura training center,” Couch said.
California has experienced major wind-driven wildfires in recent years, including the Palisades Fire and the 2018 Camp Fire.
The Camp Fire, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in state history, was found to have been caused by electrical transmission lines owned by PG&E.
Officials say Fresno County forests contain more than 26 million dead trees, the second-highest total of any county in California. The additional fuel load has raised concerns as fire danger increases.
As fire weather conditions persist, businesses and emergency officials alike are preparing for the possibility of power outages and elevated wildfire risk.
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