Power Shutoff Possible For Santa Monica Mountains Communities Amid Wildfire Risk

CALABASAS, CA — Southern California Edison warned customers in parts of Los Angeles County to prepare for possible power shutoffs Tuesday as extreme heat and heightened wildfire danger grip the region.

Nearly 4,000 SCE customers across LA County could be affected by Public Safety Power Shutoffs during the heat wave.

In the Calabasas area, SCE said increased fire-risk conditions are expected from 3 p.m. Tuesday through midnight Wednesday on the Plateau Circuit in the Santa Monica Mountains.

The circuit includes Monte Nido and the southern portion of Calabasas near Lost Hills and Las Virgenes roads.

“Be prepared for a Public Safety Power Shutoff during this time, although we may avoid shut-offs,” SCE told customers.

A PSPS occurs when SCE temporarily cuts electricity to reduce the chance that energized utility equipment could ignite a wildfire. Strong winds, dry vegetation and low humidity are among the conditions that can prompt a shutoff, according to SCE.

The warning comes as an intense heat wave continues across Southern California.

An extreme heat warning is in effect across much of the region through 8 p.m. Friday, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 112 degrees in some valleys and mountain areas, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters said Tuesday through Thursday will mark the peak of the heat wave, with temperatures running 10 to 15 degrees above normal in many areas.

• See also: Heat Wave To Bring Unhealthy Smog Across Parts Of LA County

The heat is also combining with gusty winds and very low humidity in parts of Los Angeles County, increasing wildfire danger. A red flag warning is in effect through 3 p.m. Friday for the San Gabriel Mountains and the Interstate 5 and Antelope Valley Freeway corridors.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department has increased staffing and positioned additional personnel and equipment around the county in preparation for possible wildfires.

SCE's potential shutoffs extend beyond the Santa Monica Mountains, with customers near Malibu as well as northern Los Angeles County communities including Castaic and Sandberg also facing possible outages.

A PSPS is precautionary, and SCE may ultimately determine that shutting off electricity is not necessary as conditions develop.

City News Service contributed to this report.