The dangerous series of storms that have drenched Southern California this year brought rain, snow, wind, lightning and debris flows, as well as challenges for Southern California Edison crews tasked with keeping power flowing to customers. While that precipitation could lead to vegetation growth and more fuels later this year, for now the wildfire-mitigation benefits of the wet weather are becoming clearer.

“Our forecasts are showing that we are not expecting any significant wildfire conditions through April,” said Tom Rolinski, SCE’s fire scientist. “Things are looking very good in terms of our fuel moisture content.”

Some areas of California have experienced more than 300% of their average precipitation this winter, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. And in the Sierras, preliminary measurements show the snowpack is about double the usual levels. All of California is now out of the most extreme categories of drought.

High ground moisture levels mean wildland grasses will remain green and growing for a few months, even without additional precipitation. The combination of dry fuels from grass and other vegetation, high temperatures and low humidity create conditions that can lead to catastrophic wildfires. But, at least for now, the danger is minimal.

Still, relief from the threat of wildfires is only temporary, and SCE continues to monitor samples of moisture levels at 15 high fire risk locations throughout its service area.

“Whether we have a wet or dry year, our fuels will always reach critically dry conditions each fall. It’s just a matter of when we reach those levels and how long they will last,” Rolinski said.

One concern is what happens when an abundance of vegetative fuels spurred by the abnormally wet winter dries out later this year. Will that make the wildfire threat even more severe?

“With more fuels to burn, we will likely have more roadside fire ignitions this year because the grasses will be more widespread. But it’s too early to tell if we will have a more severe fire season this year,” Rolinski said.

Meanwhile, SCE continues its wildfire mitigation efforts, detailed in its final 2023-2025 Wildfire Mitigation Plan that will be submitted on March 27 to the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety.

Some of the grid hardening work outlined in the plan includes replacing bare overhead power lines with coated wires that significantly reduce risks like potential ignitions started from contact with a nearby tree branch and undergrounding targeted areas with significant fire ignition risk. Other work in the plan includes regularly inspecting equipment using drones and helicopters, trimming and removing vegetation to prevent it from contacting electrical lines and improving weather and ground condition monitoring.

As a last resort, SCE uses Public Safety Power Shutoffs or temporary power interruptions during dangerous fire weather conditions to prevent equipment from igniting a fire. SCE estimates that it has reduced the probability of losses from catastrophic wildfires associated with its equipment by 75%-80% compared to pre-2018 levels.

To view additional content on SCE’s wildfire mitigation efforts, visit edison.com/wildfire-safety. Customers may report outages at 1-800-611-1911 or online at sce.com/outage-center.