The Chips Fire is posing a significant threat to Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) electric facilities. Residents should be aware that fire damage could cause outages for many customers. Crews will work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power, though remote and hazardous terrain may slow those efforts.

PG&E has many resources deployed to the area, ready to begin power restoration when access is deemed safe by fire officials.

PG&E already has identified three electric distribution poles that need to be replaced in the Belden area, and employees are assessing for further damage.

PG&E is proactively developing contingency plans to supply backup power generation to minimize the size and length of outages.

PG&E teams, including the mobile command vehicle, are staged in Quincy and are assessing at-risk facilities and pre-treating poles for fire protection where accessible.

In some cases, workers will de-energize power lines for firefighters’ safety.

PG&E recommends having the following items on hand: a battery-powered radio, flashlights, a first-aid kit, a supply of food or snacks that does not require cooking, and extra water.

Treat all downed power lines as if they are “live” or energized. Keep yourself and others away from them. If you encounter a downed line, call 911, then notify PG&E at (800) 743-5002.

Report and get updates on outages at PG&E’s 24-hour emergency and customer service line: (800) 743-5002.

For more safety information, go to pge.com/safetycentral.