"SAN FRANCISCO — Hundreds of thousands of Californians lost power as utilities sought to prevent the chance of their equipment sparking wildfires and the fire-weary state braced for a new bout of dry, windy weather.

More than 1 million people were expected be in the dark Monday during what officials have said could be the strongest wind event in California this year.

It's the fifth time this year that Pacific Gas & Electric, the nation's largest utility, has cut power to customers in a bid to reduce the risk that downed or fouled power lines or other equipment could ignite a blaze during bone-dry weather conditions and gusty winds. On Sunday, the utility shut off power to 225,000 customers in Northern California and planned to do the same for another 136,000 customers in a total of 36 counties."

Olga R. Rodriguez and Amy Taxin report for the Associated Press October. 26, 2020. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Snow Hits Cameron Peak, East Troublesome Fires Sunday, Bringing Critical Relief" (Denver Post) [3]