SDG&E will shut off power lines to limit fire risk
The utility announced its proposal in a letter that the utility plans to send to about 45,000 customers living in the highest fire-risk areas. The letter also outlines other steps the utility has taken to limit the risk of fire.
A California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection report in July reaffirmed earlier findings that the utility's arcing power lines sparked three major fires last fall — the Witch, Guejito and Rice fires.
A red flag warning means conditions are highly conducive to wildfires.
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Failed PG&E power line blamed for Drum fire off Hwy 246 last June
LOS ANGELES - A downed Pacific Gas and Electric Co. power line was the cause of the Drum fire that broke out June 14 on Drum Canyon Road northwest of Buellton, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department announced Thursday.
The fire broke out about 12:50 p.m. north of Highway 246 and burned about 696 acres of wildland before firefighters brought it under control, although no structures were damaged, according to an incident summary.
A team of investigators pinpointed the official cause as a power line that failed between two utility poles and fell to the ground, where arcing electricity ignited the surrounding…
