PG&E, Lassen Fire Safe Council join forces to help reduce wildfire risk
Pacific Gas and Electric Company has joined forces with local Fire Safe Councils and other 501(c)(3) organizations across Northern and Central California to enhance the safety and preparedness of local communities in connection with the 2020 wildfire season.
PG&E is providing $2.3 million to fund local Fire Safe Council and 501(c)(3) organizations projects across 28 counties to reduce the threat of wildfires and help keep communities safe. Locally the energy company is providing $100,000 to Lassen Fire Safe Council, Inc. for fuel reduction treatments on the Day Lassen Bench portion of their Big Valley Mountain project.
Since 2014, and including this year, PG&E will have provided $17 million to local Fire Safe Councils and 501(c)(3) organizations to fund more than 300 projects in Northern and Central California. Projects have included fuel reduction, shaded fuel breaks, emergency access and wood-chipping programs.
This year, PG&E is providing funding to local councils and nonprofits to complete approximately 41 projects in 28 counties. Projects must be completed by November of this year.
“The safety of our customers and the communities we serve is PG&E’s most important responsibility, and we are once again committed to supporting local wildfire prevention efforts in the Day Lassen Bench community of Lassen and Shasta counties,” said Carl Schoenhofer, senior manager of PG&E’s North Valley Division. “This collaboration among PG&E and the Lassen Fire Safe Council will help the communities we serve prevent and prepare for wildfires.”
“The Lassen Fire Safe Council thanks PG&E for providing funding for these critical fuel treatments that will be conducted on our Day Lassen Bench project that will help protect our communities from the devastating effects of wildfire,” said Lloyd Keefer, Lassen Fire Safe Council Chair.
Community Wildfire Safety Program
In addition to partnering with local Fire Safe Councils and 501(c)(3) organizations, PG&E is preparing for wildfires through its Community Wildfire Safety Program. The company launched the program in 2018 as an additional precautionary measure intended to reduce wildfire threats and strengthen communities for the future. Through the program, PG&E is bolstering wildfire prevention and emergency response efforts, putting in place new and enhanced safety measures, and doing more over the long term to harden its electric system to help reduce wildfire risks and to keep its customers safe.
