PG&E Responds to CAL FIRE’s Announcement about 2020 Zogg Fire in Shasta County

Rhea-AI Summary

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) responded to CAL FIRE's announcement identifying the cause of the September 2020 Zogg Fire as a pine tree contacting PG&E's electrical lines. PG&E expressed empathy for the communities affected and gratitude to first responders. The company plans to review CAL FIRE's findings once accessible and continues to focus on wildfire risk reduction through the implementation of advanced grid technology, infrastructure hardening, and enhanced vegetation management. PG&E remains dedicated to safely delivering energy amid extreme weather challenges.

Positive

• Implementation of new electric grid technology to enhance safety.
• Commitment to wildfire risk reduction through systematic infrastructure upgrades.
• Collaboration with CAL FIRE, demonstrating transparency in investigations.

Negative

• Liability concerns related to the identified cause of the Zogg Fire.
• Potential financial implications from damages associated with wildfire incidents.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) today issued the following statement in response to the release of information by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) regarding the September 2020 Zogg Fire:

“The loss of life and devastation in the communities impacted by the Zogg Fire is tragic, and we recognize that nothing can heal the hearts of those who have lost so much. We also thank the courageous first responders who saved lives, protected property and worked to contain and put out the fire.

Today, CAL FIRE announced that it has determined the cause of the Zogg Fire was a pine tree contacting PG&E electrical lines located north of Igo in Shasta County. As we have said previously, PG&E has fully cooperated with CAL FIRE’s investigation.

While we have not been given access to CAL FIRE’s report or evidence it collected, we look forward to reviewing both when we are allowed to do so. We filed an Electric Incident Report with the California Public Utilities Commission on October 9, 2020, related to the Zogg Fire.

We remain focused on continuing to reduce wildfire risk throughout our system and executing on the commitments made in our 2021 Wildfire Mitigation Plan. These efforts include:

• New electric grid technology;
• Hardening of the electric system;
• Accelerated inspections of electric infrastructure;
• Enhanced vegetation management around power lines; and
• Real-time monitoring and situational awareness tools to better understand how severe weather can impact PG&E's system.

PG&E’s most important responsibility is the safety of our customers and communities we serve. As the threat of extreme weather continues to impact portions of California, we remain focused on preventing major wildfires and are committed to our mission to safely deliver energy to our customers and communities.”

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210322005855/en/

FAQ

What was PG&E's response to CAL FIRE's findings on the Zogg Fire?

PG&E expressed empathy for affected communities, acknowledged CAL FIRE's report identifying the fire's cause, and stated its commitment to wildfire risk reduction.

How is PG&E addressing wildfire risks?

PG&E is enhancing safety through new electric grid technology, system hardening, accelerated inspections, and improved vegetation management.

What are the financial implications of the Zogg Fire for PG&E?

The identification of PG&E's electrical lines as the cause of the Zogg Fire raises liability concerns and potential financial risks.

What steps does PG&E take to prevent major wildfires?

PG&E is focused on implementing its Wildfire Mitigation Plan, which includes various safety measures to manage wildfire risks.

When did the Zogg Fire occur and when did CAL FIRE release its report?

The Zogg Fire occurred in September 2020, and CAL FIRE released its findings recently.