Eyes in the skies: how PG&E is monitoring wildfire activity

EUREKA, CA., (KIEM)- PG&E is assisting the US Forest Service and CAL Fire, by conducting aerial fire detection patrols every day in their service area. From the skies, their teams look for smoke, offering the opportunity for rapid response.

“Wildfires in California have grown in number, size and intensity in recent years. We all must adapt to this new normal and do even more to prevent and prepare for fires. That’s why we’ve increased the area and number of customers that our daily aerial patrols will cover to help keep communities safe,” said Pat Hogan, PG&E senior vice president of Electric Operations.

According to PG&E the aerial patrols first began in 2014, with a drought declaration. Now, seven (fixed wing) planes fly from late afternoon until dusk.