Results for: Wildfire Safety

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and The Fire Foundation (CFF) are accepting grant applications from fire departments and community organizations focused on wildfire safety and preparedness. The grant program has awarded over 313 grants since 2018, providing resources to underserved communities in high fire-risk areas. This year, PG&E and The PG&E Corporation Foundation (PG&E Foundation) are providing a total of $5 million to CFF’s Wildfire Safety and Preparedness Program (WSPP), which includes a competitive grant program that awarded 48 local fire departments and community groups last year.

As wildfires raged in Yellowhead County, some residents refused to evacuate their properties, citing concerns about animal care and property security. Authorities emphasize the importance of evacuation orders but recognize the need for support and communication during these challenging times. Police focus on safety and have the authority to uphold evacuation orders, while farmers prepare for possible future evacuations and explore options for protecting their livestock.

PG&E CEO Patricia Poppe expressed hope that customer bills will flatten or even decline in the future, despite recent significant increases. The utility is exploring cost-cutting measures, including modernizing operations and reducing vegetation management reliance. Poppe also acknowledged the need to balance cost reduction with safety concerns, especially in light of past PG&E-related disasters.