PG&E Begins Blackouts, None in Sonoma County

Share with Friends

PG&E began turning off power early Saturday morning to about 1700 customers in parts of Yolo, Solano and Napa counties where expected high winds and hot conditions were making for dangerous fire conditions.

The utility is not expected to turn off power to any customers in Sonoma, Lake or Marin Counties during the current Red Flag emergency.

The blackouts began around 6:30AM and affected customers west of Winters in the Sacramento Valley, and areas around Suisun City, Vacaville and Lake Berryessa. The power interruptions were expected to last through Saturday afternoon at least.

PG&E says the shutdowns could spread to up to 30 thousand customers by later Saturday, most of those in the foothills of the Sierra.

The more aggressive blackouts are part of a just approved state plan to prevent wildfires by de-energizing power lines in areas where high winds and hot temperatures are expected.

Meanwhile, at least three small fires were reported Saturday, including a 600 acre blaze in Stanislaus County, a small fire near Fairfield, and another near Roseville, east of Sacramento. All of the fires were contained quickly.

A Red Flag warning remains in effect for large parts of California from Redding to Los Banos until late on Sunday.

This view Saturday morning shows clear skies across Napa and Sonoma counties.