(Bloomberg) — California utility giant PG&E Corp. has begun shutting down power to reduce the chance of the company’s equipment starting wildfires amid gusty winds and dry conditions.

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PG&E said it has turned off electricity to 5,450 homes and businesses in four counties north of Sacramento, according to a statement. The utility said about 20,000 customers in 24 counties, including some in the San Francisco Bay Area, could also lose power as a result of the intentional shutoffs.

Southern California Edison, the main utility in the southern part of the state, said it is considering turning off power to about 127,000 homes and businesses in the Los Angeles area.

Dry winds began blowing across California on Thursday, warming and drying them as they rolled over the mountains on their way to the coast. The conditions increase the risk of wildfires that could get out of control. The National Weather Service has issued red flag fire warnings in valleys from near Sacramento to San Francisco’s Bay Area and in the state’s wine country. These warnings have been extended to Southern California as Santa Ana winds develop in the region.

–With assistance from Brian K. Sullivan.

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