MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — To help reduce the risk of wildfires, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. is trimming trees and clearing bushes, grasses and other vegetation near more than 4,000 distribution poles in Lake, Madera, Napa, Nevada and Yuba counties by the end of the year.

Work is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks and will include Middletown and Cobb.

PG&E spokeswoman Deanna Contreras told Lake County News that the work is part of a new program in which the company is working with individual property owners to clear brush around power poles on their property.

“The program is starting along just a few circuits – and then will expand later – with one of the circuits in Lake County,” Contreras said.

This wildfire safety work is in addition to the company’s regular vegetation management programs and is intended to further enhance defensible space by creating an additional layer of protection between vegetation and electric equipment.

In addition to slowing the spread of potential fires, PG&E said this safety work will also improve access for first responders in an emergency.

Prior to work being done, PG&E said it will work closely with customers and landowners to provide additional information on the upcoming work.

PG&E may need to use herbicides to prevent regrowth, in accordance with state and federal regulations. Landowners can request herbicides not be used on their property.

Work in Lake County is expected to begin in the coming weeks and will take place within a 50-foot radius of distribution poles and include:

— Clearing brush and shrubs where possible.
— Trimming grasses to 4 inches in height.
— Clearing surface-level fuels such as fallen leaves, needles, twigs, barks, cones and small branches.
— Pruning tree branches that are within 6 feet from the ground.

Customers may see PG&E crews and contractors in their area in the coming weeks. As part of PG&E’s vegetation work to reduce wildfire risks, customers may also see other PG&E crews working to keep communities safe by performing additional tree work near power lines.

Customers with questions can contact 1-877-295-4949 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..