PG&E plans power shut-off as wildfire worsens

As the Dixie fire exploded past 600,000 acres overnight, the Pacific Gas & Electric Co. expanded the number of people who could lose power in a planned shut-off.

Forty-eight thousand residents across 18 counties in Northern California stand to lose power because of forecasted winds that threaten to knock down trees and debris on power lines sparking new fires.

PG&E public information officer Deanna Contreras said, “It’s a decision of last resort for us; it’s to prevent a catastrophic wildfire.”

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued an air quality advisory for Wednesday stating winds could push smoke into the region from the Sacramento Valley.

The National Weather Service issued Red Flag warnings Tuesday for parts of California, Nevada, and Montana due to strong winds, high temperatures, and drought conditions.