BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) - As the Park Fire progressed, PG&E de-energized distribution power lines in stages in and near the burn area at the request of fire agencies for firefighter and public safety.

 

As of the afternoon of July 29, there are 1,195 PG&E customers (991 customers in Butte County, 204 in Tehama County) without power due to the Park Fire. PG&E crews were able to restore power to approximately 2,026 customers since the fire began.

 

As CAL FIRE allows PG&E crews to access burn areas, PG&E inspects power lines and poles by ground and in the air, assess damage, make any necessary repairs, and restore power. All of these activities are ongoing.

 

PG&E has approximately 215 coworkers and contractors responding to this fire, including electric distribution and transmission crews, vegetation-management crews, Safety & Infrastructure Protection Team (SIPT) crews, Public Safety Specialists and more.

 

PG&E has assigned an Incident Management Team (IMT 1) to this fire response to ensure a safe, efficient response.

 

PG&E’s Safety and Infrastructure Protection Teams (SIPT) have been granted access to some areas within the fire zone for asset protection.  SIPT crews have been pre-treating wooden utility poles, hydro facilities and other assets with fire retardant in advance of the fire.  

 

From the start of the fire on Wednesday, July 24 through 3 p.m. Monday, July 29, the total number of poles protected during this fire by 60 SIPT crew members with 26 engines is approximately 2,379.

 

SIPT work to pre-treat assets reduces the risk of poles burning and collapsing, which could block access for first responders or exits from evacuees. It also can prevent more extensive damage from occurring and speed up power restoration for customers.

 

PG&E’s fleet of four UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters continue to be used to drop water on the Park Fire under the direction of CAL FIRE.