With an even more severe wildfire season anticipated this year, PG and E conducted daily air patrols, for the first time, to help detect them in four regions of Northern and Central California. That includes in Placer and Nevada Counties. Utility spokeswoman Lynsey Paulo says the patrols began in June and were extended two weeks later than anticipated, or until October 31st…

click to listen to Lynsey Paulo

The patrols spotted a total of 146 wildfires and in 25 instances were the first to report the blaze to CalFire. That includes 37 in the region that covers Redding to our area, with 10 first reports. Paulo says early smoke detection becomes even more critical, with so much dry fuel…

click to listen to Lynsey Paulo

PG and E also continues to participate in other prevention programs. That includes pruning dead or dying trees that could fall on power lines…funding 19 Fire Safe Councils, including the one for Nevada County…and providing remote cameras in lookout towers. They also support CalFire’s “One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire” and “Prepare for Bark Beetles” public awareness campaigns.