Learn more about preparing for the threat of wildfires


We are expanding and accelerating our wildfire safety measures.


Given the continued and growing threat of wildfire, PG&E is evolving and expanding our Community Wildfire Safety Program as an additional precautionary measure following the 2017 and 2018 wildfires to further reduce wildfire risks and help keep our customers and the communities we serve safe.


Read our 2019 Wildfire Safety Plan (PDF, 2.7 MB)

Real-time monitoring and intelligence

  • Coordinating prevention and response efforts by monitoring wildfire risks in real time from our Wildfire Safety Operations Center.
  • Expanding our network of PG&E weather stations to enhance weather forecasting and modeling.
  • Supporting the installation of new high-definition cameras in high fire-threat areas.

New and enhanced safety measures


System hardening and resiliency

  • Installing stronger and more resilient poles and covered power lines, along with targeted undergrounding.
  • Upgrading and replacing electric equipment to further reduce wildfire risks.
  • Working with communities to develop new resilience zones to provide electricity to central community resources serving local customers during a Public Safety Power Shutoff event.

High fire-threat areas

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) worked with CAL FIRE and other utility and public-safety experts to develop a High Fire-Threat District Map, adopted in January 2018. The map identifies areas across California that have the highest likelihood of a wildfire impacting people and property, and where additional action may be necessary to reduce wildfire risks.

  • Tier 3 areas are at extreme risk for wildfire.
  • Tier 2 areas are at elevated risk for wildfire.
  • Zone 1 areas are those with high numbers of dead and dying trees.

Beginning with the 2019 wildfire season, as an additional precautionary measure following the 2017 and 2018 wildfires to further reduce wildfire risks and help keep our customers and communities safe, we are expanding our Public Safety Power Shutoff program to include all electric lines that pass through high fire-threat areas – both distribution and transmission.


While customers in high fire-threat areas are more likely to be affected, any of PG&E’s more than 5 million electric customers could have their power shut off if their community relies upon a line that passes through a high fire-threat area.


Visit Public Safety Power Shutoff


We know how much our customers rely on electric service and that there are safety risks on both sides. We will only proactively turn off lines as a last resort in the interest of safety to help reduce the likelihood of an ignition when extreme fire danger conditions are forecasted. If we need to turn off power, we will attempt to contact customers in advance to ensure enough time to prepare. We will also provide updates until power is restored.


Make sure we have your correct contact information


For more information, you may also call 1-866-743-6589.



What to expect if power is turned off under these circumstances

  • When and where possible, early warning notification so you can prepare
  • Additional updates through social media, local news, radio and pge.com
  • Coordination with local authorities to provide outage information

Learn the steps you can take to prepare for wildfire season in the PREPARE FOR OUTAGES WITH THESE TIPS section on this page.


DOWNLOAD OUR PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFF FACT SHEET (PDF, 328 KB)

DOWNLOAD OUR PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES (PDF, 5.2 MB)

Download the Public Safety Power Shutoff Nov. 27, 2018 report (PDF, 344 KB)

Download the Public Safety Power Shutoff Oct. 31, 2018 report (PDF, 1.2 MB)

Take these steps to prepare for wildfire season and a potential public safety power shutoff.

  • Build or restock your emergency supply kit. Stock supplies to last a week, including flashlights, fresh batteries, first aid supplies and cash.
    Visit emergency preparedness
    Create a supply kit
  • Plan for any medical needs for you and your family. Talk with your doctor about planning for any medications that may need to be refrigerated or medical devices that require power.
  • Store emergency water and food in portable containers. Have enough water and food to last a week. Store in portable, waterproof containers in an easy-to-reach location.
  • Identify backup charging methods for phones. Consider alternative charging methods such as portable battery packs for phones and other devices that require power.
  • Create and practice an emergency plan. Make sure everyone in your home knows what to do by practicing your emergency plan several times.
  • Print and store an emergency contact list outside of your phone. In the event your phone battery dies, make sure every member of your family has a copy of important phone numbers.
  • Evaluate your home. Install and replace batteries in smoke alarms, and locate and know how to use fire extinguishers.
  • Know how to open your garage door manually. Learn and practice opening your garage door using the manual release lever.
  • Keep your gas tank full or your car charged. Gas stations rely on electricity to pump gas, so try to keep your gas tank full in case of an outage. If you have an electric vehicle, keep it charged.
  • Keep ice on hand to keep food cold. Freeze water in plastic jugs so you can use them to keep food cold during a temporary outage.

For more information on preparing your family and home for wildfires, visit:


CAL FIRE Ready for Wildfire

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

National Weather Service