Southern California Edison cuts power to thousands amid wildfire risk

More hot and dry weather across Southern California on Wednesday is increasing the risk of brush fires, resulting in Public Safety Power Shutoffs for thousands of residents.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties through 6 p.m. Wednesday evening.

Wind gusts, combined with very warm temperatures and low humidity, bring a major risk of fire danger to the region. “Extreme fire behavior and rapid growth are likely with any new fire starts,” the NWS said.

Santa Ana winds are expected to bring gusts up to 45 mph through the Santa Susana Mountains.

Heat advisories are also in effect for Los Angeles, Ventura and Orange counties, as well as the Inland Empire, until Wednesday evening.

Afternoon temperatures are expected to reach the mid-90s in parts of Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

The Red Flag conditions have Southern California Edison officials on high alert, having already implemented some Public Safety Power Shutoffs to reduce the risk of wildfire caused by utility equipment.

“In advance of a circumstance where we might have wind-borne debris … power lines are turned off to prevent a spark. If debris strikes a power line, that can create a very hazardous condition that might lead to a fire,” SCE spokesperson Jeff Monford said.

Public Safety Power Shutoffs (as of 6:30 a.m.):

• Los Angeles County: 62 customers
• Riverside County: 9 customers
• San Bernardino County: 586 customers
• Ventura County 1,494 customers

Of SCE’s 5 million customers, another 22,362 shutoffs were being considered, according to the utility’s website.

Forecasters are calling for winds to relax later in the evening. Cooler temperatures are also expected to arrive later in the week.