Approximately 2,700 SDG&E customers, primarily in East County, were warned to be prepared to lose power as a result of the high fire risk in the county this week. SDG&E said the shutoffs are a last resort, but may be possible to prevent any disastrous wildfires.
Communities that may be impacted include Alpine, Campo Reservation, Crestwood, Descanso, Julian, La Posta Reservation, Manzanita Reservation, Pala, Santa Ysabel, Santa Ysabel Reservation, Valley Center, and Viejas Reservation.
“The last thing we want to be telling any of our customers right now is that we may have to shut off power given the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and the ongoing COVID pandemic,” said SDG&E’s Chief Customer Officer Scott Crider. “Public Safety Power Shutoffs are a last resort to prevent wildfires, and our employees are dedicated to doing everything we can to minimize impacts should it come to that. We’re hoping Mother Nature cooperates, but in an abundance of caution we have reached out to our customers so they can be prepared.”
⚠️ Red Flag Warning ⚠️
Moderate to locally strong Santa Ana winds will start on Thanksgiving. There will be high fire danger due to strong winds and low humidity 🔥
Get prepared now! Pack an emergency kit and avoid using equipment that could cause a spark! #cawx pic.twitter.com/zNPcSFC2dw
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) November 25, 2020
San Diego is already experiencing the effects of this week’s fire-prone conditions. A fire was reported earlier today in Alpine, and crews are still working to get it under control. As of 2 pm, the fire was reported to be about 10 acres and growing at a “moderate speed.”
SDG&E said that staff will be working every day this week to ensure that, in the event of an emergency shutoff, power is restored as quickly as possible.
