Extreme Fire Danger: Red Flag Warning Issued, Power Turned Off

From the City of Oakland: PG&E has announced that due to the fire risk posed by extreme weather conditions in the forecast, it is will proactively turn off power and implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) across more than 30 Northern California counties, including Oakland and parts of Alameda County.

“We are anticipating historically strong winds, the strongest we’ve seen in years,” said Oakland Fire Chief Darin White. “Although the most severe local threat is in the East Bay hills, a rapidly spreading wildfire could have widespread impact across the city. The Fire Department is urging residents, visitors, and businesses to be prepared and to use extreme caution over the next few days.”

The decision to turn off power, and the speed at which it is restored, is planned and managed solely by PG&E. The City of Oakland is ready to respond to high fire danger and the effects of the power shutoff. PG&E began to send out public notifications this week to their opt-in customers and they are providing information on their website and through media releases at pge.com.
EBMUD has requested that all businesses and residents reduce water usage as much as possible during power shutdowns. They do not have the capability of maintaining levels in all of the reservoirs while power is out.

PG&E estimates that 23,000 residential and business customers in Oakland could be impacted, potentially affecting nearly 70,000 people. Across Northern California, PG&E estimates 830,000 customers to be affected, or nearly 2.4 million people.

Although the main period of risk exists through early Monday morning, because of the widespread nature of the shutoff and the potential damage to the system from high winds, the power shutoff could last several days. PG&E will restore power once it has inspected the lines for safety and made any necessary repairs, which could account for the delay in re-energizing the lines.

While customers in high fire-threat areas like the East Bay Hills are more likely to be affected, any of PG&E’s more than 5 million electric customers could have their power shut off. This is because the energy system relies on power lines working together to provide electricity across cities, counties and regions.

PG&E have opened Community Resource Centers in the counties being affected by the shutdown. The centers will remain open during daylight hours only. Restrooms, bottled water, electronic-device charging and air-conditioned seating for up to 100 will be available at the facilities.
The resource center for Alameda County is at Merritt College in Oakland, located at 12500 Campus Dr., Oakland, CA 94619.

Joaquin Miller Park is closed to the public on red flag days. Signs will be posted at all park entrances and trails regarding the closure.

In addition to the Oakland Fire Department’s normal operations, firefighters will conduct roving fire patrols in the Oakland Hills. These resources will augment the department’s normal hill company patrols that are out during high fire danger. Additionally, the State of California Office of Emergency Services is pre-positioning fire suppression resources in Oakland and the region.

In the event of a PG&E power shutoff, the Oakland Police Department will deploy additional neighborhood patrols and provide traffic safety support at key intersections where signals are out.
Since this is a regional event, the City team is coordinating with the Alameda County Office of Emergency Services, neighboring cities, the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) to ensure fluid communication and coordinated response. The affected cities and counties are receiving regular updates from PG&E regarding their plans to de-energize the electrical system and restore power once the severe weather conditions subside.

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for the East Bay hills through 11 a.m. Monday. Northerly winds will continue to be strong and gusty through Monday morning. Winds of up to 45 to 50 mph are likely. Locally higher gusts of 65 mph are possible on the highest ridges and peaks. These strong winds will create critical fire weather conditions and the potential for downed trees and power lines.

This press release was produced by the City of Oakland. The views expressed here are the author’s own.