PG&E, Fire Safe Councils help communities prevent wildfires

SAN FRANCISCO –To help prevent wildfires and protect communities, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is joining forces with local Fire Safe Councils and preparedness communities and providing $2 million to fund local projects to reduce the threat of wildfires.

“Years of drought, extreme heat and 129 million dead trees are creating a ‘new normal’ in our state and we must continue to adapt to these challenges, said Kevin Dasso, PG&E vice president of Electric Asset Management. We appreciate our continuing partnership with local Fire Safe Councils to complete this important safety work. These projects create fuel breaks to protect communities, clear vegetation from evacuation routes, and help underserved customers create critical defensible space to protect their homes from fire,”.

Since 2014, and including this year, PG&E will have provided $13 million to local Fire Safe Councils and 501(c)(3) organizations to fund more than 200 projects in Northern and Central California. Projects have included fuel reduction, shaded fuel breaks, emergency access and wood-chipping programs. This year, PG&E is providing funding to local councils and nonprofits to complete approximately 30 projects in 24 counties. Projects must be completed by October of this year. A list of Fire Safe Councils receiving project funding is below.

Community Wildfire Safety Program

In addition to partnering with local Fire Safe Councils, PG&E is preparing for wildfires through its new Community Wildfire Safety Program. The company launched the program in March as an additional precautionary measure intended to reduce wildfire threats and strengthen communities for the future.

Through the program, PG&E is bolstering wildfire prevention and emergency response efforts, putting in place new and enhanced safety measures, and doing more over the long term to harden its electric system to help reduce wildfire risks and to keep its customers safe.

Local Fire Safe Councils Receiving Funding for Projects