The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) is reporting that above-normal fire risk will remain across Northern California from July through September 2026. In response, PG&E is installing over 1,600 weather stations and 600 high-definition cameras to better predict and respond to wildfires and severe weather.
On July 8, at a media briefing on wildfire safety and preparedness, Scott Strenfel, Senior Director of Meteorology and Fire Science at PG&E, shared updates on the organization’s preventative measures as California heads into peak wildfire season.
To reduce the impact of wildfires and prevent a power shutoff, PG&E is trimming or removing more than 1.5 million trees and enhancing safety on powerlines.
“Power shutoff is the last option for us,” said Strenfel. PG&E considers factors such as low humidity, sustained winds above 19 mph, National Weather Service red flag warnings, and dry vegetation before deciding to shut off power to protect public safety.
If a power outage occurs, PG&E offers backup power options, including portable batteries, a residential battery storage program for customers most affected by outages, and rebates for permanent home battery systems.
Tom Smith, Senior Manager of PG&E’s Customer Emergency Planning and Operations, said that over 2,000 weather stations and high-definition cameras were being installed to better predict and respond to wildfires and severe weather. As more than 50% of PG&E’s service area is in a high-fire-risk zone, the company has established a three-tiered approach to wildfire protection.
The first step is monitoring weather and wildfire conditions. Next come operational safety measures, followed by long-term improvements such as installing stronger utility poles and covering more than 1,900 miles of overhead power lines. Smith also addressed concerns that a strengthening El Niño in the Pacific Ocean could bring a a wetter winter and more flooding.
“No matter what the El Niño situation is, we are prepared,” he said.
Smith outlined that during an outage, PG&E reaches customers through text, email and on Nextdoor to provide updates until and after power is restored. Outage alerts are available in 16 languages including Farsi, Japanese, Hindi and Hmong.
PG&E also has support systems in place for people with access and functional needs – such as ADA accessible bathrooms, discounts for hotel accommodations, etc. There is also 211 – a live assistance hotline – that provides free, confidential information and referral services connecting anyone in need to local health, human services and community resources.
To see wildfire safety work in your community done by PG&E, visit pge.com/progressmap.
