The first blackouts of the P & E groups are in effect in North Bay counties

As of 8 pm, Pacific Gas and Electric has proactively extinguished areas of high fire risk in Lake, Napa and Sonoma counties in response to conditions created by dry vegetation. humidity and high winds.

Around 17,483 PG & E customers are concerned by this public safety shutdown, the first ever voluntary deactivation of electrical installations by the utility in response to extreme fire conditions. Some of the breakdowns could last until Tuesday, said PG & E spokeswoman Andrea Menniti.

When power is restored in these areas, it will depend on weather conditions and / or any repairs to PG & E's electrical equipment that may be required, Menniti said.

Specific areas affected tonight include Clearlake, Clearlake Oaks, Clearlake Park, Cobb, Finley, Hidden Valley Lake, Kelseyville, Lakeport, Lower Lake and Middletown in Lake County; Napa, Angwin, Calistoga, Deer Park, Berryessa Lake, Pope Valley and St. Helena in Napa County; and unincorporated areas in northeastern Sonoma County.

PG & E is continuing its plan to shut off power in parts of 12 counties in Northern California.

In June, Cal Fire announced that "power and distribution lines, conductors and power pole failure" had caused at least a dozen fires in six northern California counties.

PG & E and county officials directly contact customers in the energy sector and provide early warning notification, where possible, via automated calls, text messages and e-mails.

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