How a 2024 Vegetation Management Project Helped Stop a 2026 Wildfire

In the spring of 2024, a small stretch of Friesen Drive in Angwin drew attention from both PG&E’s Vegetation Management team and Napa Firewise. The narrow mountain road, bordered by steep slopes and dense vegetation, had several aging trees showing signs of decline.  

“A number of these trees had defects or mechanical or insect damage. Others leaned toward our overhead distribution lines. All of them were vulnerable to wind. Friesen Drive was the only access route for first responders, and any one of them coming down could have blocked access during an emergency,” noted Jordan Egli, Vegetation Management Supervisor for the North Bay. 

PG&E and Napa Firewise worked together to assess the area.  

“We both agreed that the trees were hazardous and an impediment to fire response. Due to their proximity to PG&E equipment we were able to further support by including the removal in our vegetation management scope of work,” noted Egli. 

The removal of the nine trees was straightforward, proactive, and unremarkable in the moment. It was the kind of mitigation effort that happens across PG&E’s service area every day.

And then, for two years, nothing happened.

A fire sparks and the Vegetation Management work pays off

On May 17, the Whisper Fire ignited during a period of strong winds. Napa County Fire and Cal Fire crews mobilized quickly, but in conditions like that, even a few minutes of delay can change the outcome of a fire.

During the Whisper Fire, there was no delay. Freisen drive was clear and first responder vehicles were able to move in without obstruction. As result, firefighters were able to attack the fire aggressively and keep it contained to under three acres, this was a remarkable achievement given the weather and terrain.

Local fire partners later noted that several of the trees removed in 2024 would almost certainly have come down in the windstorm that accompanied the fire. Had they fallen across Friesen Drive, they would have blocked access and slowed response.

In an email to members of the North Coast regional team, Steve Burgess with Napa Fire Wise added color to the day: “Part of success on Whisper Fire was PG&E's removals that some of which surely would have crashed down in the windstorm.  Access would have been blocked and response delayed. Napa County Fire Department and Cal Fire made quick work and kept a fire under three acres.”  

Napa Firewise's Director of Land Resilience, and retired Cal Fire firefighter, Mike Wilson, noted "The Whisper Fire is a reminder of why pre-fire work matters. PG&E and Napa Firewise coordinated work on Friesen Drive simultaneously — PG&E removing large hazardous trees while our crew conducted roadside vegetation treatment, funded by the County of Napa. When the recent weather event brought down trees across the county, we were fortunate this stretch had already been addressed. That kind of on-the-ground coordination between agencies is exactly what community fire preparedness looks like.”

Why Fire Safe Council Grants matter

The Friesen Drive project also highlights the value of PG&E’s Fire Safe Council grants. These grants give local councils like Napa Firewise the resources to identify hazards, coordinate mitigation work, and partner closely with PG&E. The early identification of the Friesen Drive trees — and the collaboration that followed — was made possible in part because Napa Firewise had grant‑supported capacity to scout risks and work directly with PG&E.

“Organizations like Napa Firewise are invaluable partners in helping identify where proactive work can make the biggest difference, and that’s exactly why PG&E continues to invest in Fire Safe Council partnerships across the North Coast. When we pair our expertise, resources and field teams, we can help reduce wildfire risk for our hometowns,” said Dave Canny, vice president for PG&E’s North Coast Region.  

Added Egli, “I’m a Napa County resident and I have been working with the same folks at the Fire Council for years. The projects that they’re doing for the sake of the community are remarkable and it’s gratifying that we’re able to help them out. I have employees that live down the road from Friesen Drive so being able to do fire support work there feels especially rewarding.”