California Wildfires

Only hard options remain for dealing with California’s wildfire crisis. From controlled burns to burying power lines to breaking up PG&E, what are the odds?

In California, wildfire season is nearly year-round. CalMatters explores why, and what could help fireproof the state.

As Pacific Gas & Electric cuts power to thousands to avoid igniting wildfires, policymakers are comparing it unfavorably with San Diego Gas & Electric, a veteran of preemptive blackouts. Local critics say California shouldn't be so quick to put SDG&E on a pedestal. 

Real-time data from whiz-bang cameras and supercomputers has potential downsides: too many alarm bells, more blackouts and less boots-on-the-ground input.

CalMatters' reporters Judy Lin, Julie Cart and Dan Morain discuss California's recent blackout and what that means for the future of fires, utilities and politics.

Almost a year after wildfire destroyed the California town, environmental dangers persist. Residents are still advised not to drink the water.

Since 2002, nearly two-thirds of the days lost to school closures have been for wildfire and wildfire-related issues. Of those fire closures, half have occurred in the past four school years.

PG&E is back where it started — searching for a way forward amid tens of billions of dollars in damages from past wildfires. And its narrowing options are driving the state’s largest utility into the arms of Wall Street investors, including a group led by major Republican donor Paul Singer, the billionaire known for his combative style and portfolio of distressed properties.

The state's forests are clogged with 147 million dead trees — wildfire fuel — and late-winter rains nourished grasses and other highly combustible plants.

In the past decade, PG&E rates have gone up 31% — faster than inflation — though not as much as San Diego Gas & Electric's.