Southern California Edison (SCE) announced it is evaluating Public Safety Power Shutoffs for roughly 4,000 customers across Los Angeles County. The utility’s website lists the areas under review, which include neighborhoods near Malibu, the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, and northern communities such as Castaic and Sandberg.
Why the shutoffs are being considered
Public Safety Power Shutoffs allow utilities to turn off electricity in locations where strong, gusty winds could damage power lines and ignite fast‑moving wildfires. With a red‑flag warning for critical wildfire conditions issued from Tuesday morning through Friday afternoon, officials are closely monitoring the situation.
Heat and fire risk intensify
Temperatures across the region are expected to exceed 100°F at lower elevations, with humidity dropping to as low as 10 percent. Forecasts call for afternoon and early‑evening wind gusts that could quickly turn a spark into a rapidly spreading blaze. The red‑flag warning covers the San Gabriel Mountains and the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) freeway corridors in northern Los Angeles County.
Recent temperature records
Monday set new heat records in several localities. Downtown Los Angeles reached 98°F, surpassing the previous record of 96°F set in 1931. Long Beach hit 97°F, breaking its 2010 record of 95°F. In Orange County, Anaheim also recorded 98°F, matching its 2010 high, while Santa Ana tied its 1969 record of 100°F.
Health officials’ advice
County health officials urged residents to stay hydrated, remain in air‑conditioned spaces, and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. They also reminded the public not to leave children or pets in parked vehicles, as interior temperatures can become lethal within minutes.
Current status
As of Monday morning, no power shutoffs were in effect. SCE will continue to assess weather conditions and fire risk before making any final decisions. Residents in the potentially affected areas are encouraged to monitor updates from the utility and local emergency services.
What to do if a shutoff occurs
Should a shutoff be implemented, households should prepare by having flashlights, batteries, and a supply of water and non‑perishable food. Keeping a battery‑powered radio or a charged mobile device can help stay informed about restoration timelines.
Local authorities will coordinate with SCE to ensure that vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with medical needs, receive assistance during any outage.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
