SCE's Major Wildfire Response
Southern California’s wildfires are no longer limited to a season, but are now year-round. Five years of drought, exacerbated by a bark beetle infestation, have resulted in fast-moving fires both in the Sierras and San Bernardino Mountains.
Southern California Edison crews have been dispatched to some of the biggest wildfires in memory this year, from as far north as Mammoth to San Bernardino’s Cajon Pass. As our first responders, hundreds of SCE employees have dedicated numerous hours to these wildfire response efforts.
The crews' initial job is to de-energize power lines and clear the way of downed poles and equipment for first responders. When fire officials say it is safe, crews begin the difficult job of quickly and safely restoring power to some of the remotest areas in the region.
So far crews have replaced hundreds of power poles, transformers and downed lines damaged in this year’s fires, helping restore power to residents and businesses as they resume their lives after the devastation.
STORIES:
Blue Cut Fire
SCE Crews, First Responders Work to Reopen I-15 as Blue Cut Fire Continues to Burn
SCE Crews Begin Restoration Efforts Following Blue Cut Fire Devastation
Sand Fire
SCE Crews Work to Protect First Responders in Areas Devastated by Sand Fire
SCE Crews Start to Assess Damage From Sand Fire
SCE Crews Begin Restoration Efforts in Sand Fire-Ravaged Areas
Difficult Terrain and Deep Canyons Challenge Power Restoration
VIDEO: Helicopters Take Flight to Set Poles in Remote Canyons
Erskine Fire
Lightning Temporarily Slows Down Repair Efforts as Crews Work to Restore Power Amid Erskine Fire
Wildfires, Heat Wave Keep SCE Crews Working 24-7
SCE Offers Bill Forgiveness to Kern Valley Fire Victims
San Gabriel Complex Fire
SCE Crews are Working Around the Clock to Restore Power
Troublemen Prepare to Safely Restore Power as Fires Rage in San Gabriel Valley
VIDEOS:
Power Outage and Wildfire Safety Tips
- If possible, stay away from areas severely impacted by the fire damage.
- If you see downed power lines, please call 911 and report it to the police and fire departments immediately. Never touch or try to move a downed power line.
- Check on the safety of family members and neighbors, especially those dependent on power for medical equipment.
- Do not rely on candles for lighting during a power outage because they pose a fire hazard; please use flashlights.
- Do not cook indoors with charcoal or other fossil fuels not meant for indoor use. They could create deadly fumes if used indoors.
- If you are without electrical service in your home or business, leave a light switch in the “on” position to serve as a signal that electrical service has been restored in your area.
- Turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronic equipment.
- If you are using a generator, place it outdoors and plug individual appliances directly into it, using heavy-duty extension cords. Do not connect generators directly to household circuits. Doing so creates “backfeed,” which is extremely dangerous and could be fatal to repair crews.