10/13/2026
PG&E announces a possible Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) for October 14-17, 2026. The forecast is for high winds, low humidity, and moderate temperatures. A PSPS is done when the combination of low humidity and high winds combine to create elevated fire danger. The intent is to isolate potential sources of ignition caused by the power grid. While PG&E has undergrounded a significant portion of our local utility lines, larger transmission lines that serve the divide are still vulnerable.
It is very possible that winds here on the divide may not exceed the threshold for a PSPS but if areas adjacent to the divide (I80 corridor in particular), where transmission lines that serve our area originate experience high winds which necessitate a PSPS, then it will result in a PSPS here in the Foresthill community.
Is this inconvenient and expensive, yes, but it is important to remember that many of the most destructive wildland fires experienced in California have occurred in the fall months under high wind conditions.
In preparation for the PSPS you should check your emergency supplies, change batteries in flashlights and other portable equipment, identify food which may need to be placed in ice chests, precook meals as needed, run and power test generators, secure in advance of the PSPS generator fuel, and review your families emergency and communication plans.
Additionally, with the elevated fire severity conditions everyone should also review their evacuation plans and have ready things you will need should we experience a wind driven fire requiring evacuation.
Make sure you have some ability to call for help and obtain information during a power outage. For those with fiber optic internet; fiber internet requires power to function. Unless you have some form of backup power you will not have access to Sebastian internet services.
A few items of caution:
Do not operate internal combustion engines indoors and do not run generators near windows or doors leading to occupied spaces in your home as Carbon Monoxide build up can cause illness or death.
Avoid the use of candles for light for obvious reasons. And if it is not obvious - because they are a frequent cause of house fires.
Lastly, sign up for emergency notifications at Placer Ready and download the Watchduty app for the most up to date information on wildland fires including evacuation information.
We will update as needed over the next few days.
