Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) has joined forces with local fire safe councils to enhance the safety and preparedness of local communities in connection with the 2020 wildfire season. The utility is providing US$2.3 million to fund local fire safe councils' and 501(c)(3) organizations' projects across 28 counties to reduce the threat of wildfires and help keep communities safe.
"With the increased wildfire threat our state faces, we all must continue to adapt to these challenges and find ways to reduce the risk of wildfires. We appreciate our ongoing partnership with local fire safe councils and nonprofit organizations to complete this important safety work. These projects create fuel breaks to protect communities, clear vegetation from evacuation routes, and help underserved customers create critical defensible space to protect their homes from fire across our service area," said Andy Vesey, PG&E utility CEO and president.
"The California Fire Safe Council is pleased with the PG&E's continued commitment to funding local fire safe council wildfire mitigation projects. The flexibility and immediate availability of PG&E funding allows for immediate use in communities as well as matching funds for federal grants," said Patty Ciesla, executive director of the California Fire Safe Council.
Since 2014, including this year, the PG&E will have provided US$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, the 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 PG&E is also 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.
A list of fire safe councils and 501(c)(3) organizations receiving project funding is given below:
