PG&E shuts off power to parts of Northern California to prevent wildfires

On the heels of red-flag warnings issued over the weekend, Pacific Gas and Electric shut off power to tens of thousands of people in Norther California. Counties affected by the widespread unplugging include residents of Napa, Sonoma, El Dorado, Lake, Amador, and Calaveras counties.

Butte, Sierra, Placer, Nevada, Plumas, and Yuba counties could also be affected by the proactive power outage.

“We know how much our customers rely on electric service, and we have made the decision to turn off power as a last resort given the extreme fire danger conditions these communities are experiencing,” PG&E spokesman Pat Hogan said in a statement.

Workers will monitor the situation throughout the day. When and if the extreme weather conditions subside, power will return later this evening or, at the latest, by Tuesday morning.

The National Weather Service predicted gusts reaching up to 70 mph in the North Bay mountains.

Last year at this time, the area was hit by one of the worst wildfires in California’s recorded state history, which destroyed thousands of homes and structures.

Customers concerned whether or not their property is in a serious fire-threat area should check out California Public Utilities Commission Fire-Threat District map.