Mayor of Calistoga and fire chief say power cuts due to high risk of fire are unnecessary

CALISTOGA, Calif. (KGO) –

We realize quickly that we are creatures of habit when the electricity disappears. Traffic lights do not work. Gas stations do not pump. The list continues. In Calistoga and other parts of Napa, Lake and Sonoma counties, residents are experiencing all these problems and more after PG & E shut down last night in response to the high risk of fire.

"Yes, it was blowing hard enough last night," said Nancy Shadd of Calistoga.

PG & E said winds were blowing at 70 km / h in the upstream hills, which reduced the risk of power supply.

RELATED: The new PG & E policy could cut electricity to customers in the San Francisco Bay Area in case of high fire risk

"It's in the name of safety, we would only do it as a last resort," explained Deanna Contreras, who speaks for PG & E.

In Calistoga, the mayor and the fire chief did not agree. "I think in advance planning it had merit, but given the weather, I did not think it was necessary," Fire Chief Steve Campbell said.

"Overall, we like PG & E, but there must be a better solution," said Mayor Chris Canning, who has spent hours on the phone with PG & E today, waiting to to know when the current would return.

Only, said PG & E, after the crews checked 78 miles of transmission lines and 2,150 distribution miles in 12 counties.

RELATED: Residents of Sonoma County prepare for power outages caused by PG & E's red flag

Meanwhile, Calistoga, the tourist town was waiting – Good restaurants with empty tables keeping their food on ice, Ireneo Fernandez, watching the mess in his small grocery store. "I'm pretty sure there will be losses," he said.

PG & E declares that it assumes no financial responsibility.

"We understand how frustrating it is, but we can not anticipate the repayment of our customers' losses," Contreras said.

The breakdowns resulted in the closure of some schools in Lake and Napa Counties.

To find out if you are in an affected area, click here.

The following is a complete list of counties and cities that may experience breakdowns, according to PG & E: