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Fairfield residents prepare for safety power shutoffs as fire danger and wind gusts increase
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Fairfield residents prepare for safety power shutoffs as fire danger and wind gusts increase

FAIRFIELD – Winds are increasing in the Northern California region and thousands of people could be in the dark. PG&E is calling for safety shut-offs for the power supply in multiple areas in Solano County.

Intense winds and low humidity are a dangerous combination that triggers red flag warnings and power safety shutdowns. CBS Sacramento meteorologists predict that winds in Fairfield will reach nearly 60 miles per hour between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.

“We have flashlights ready and our neighbor sometimes shares his generator with us,” said David Harrington, who lives in Fairfield.

Harrington’s street in Fairfield on Rolling Wood Drive was initially supposed to go dark, but PG&E took them off the list. Although much of the environment around him is still in danger.

In the thirty years he has lived next to a dry hillside, losing power and dealing with fires has always been a concern.

“Several years ago the fire came down the hill and got pretty close to our backyard fence,” Harrington said.

City of Fairfield Communications Manager Bill Way said they have been focusing on weed control programs, such as goat grazing and debris removal, to prepare for these types of dangerous weather events.

“We had a really nice control program this year that put up a nice barrier, but at the same time, when you’re dealing with low humidity and high winds, we always have to be prepared,” Way said.

That’s why the city decided to close some of its parks Thursday evening and reopen Sunday morning, including Rockville Hills Regional Park, Spyglass Open Space and the Serpas Ranch/Rolling Hills Open Space.

“I think that’s a good idea,” said Felipe Valles, who lives in Fairfield. ‘You don’t want anything to happen here. I mean, this place is going up in smoke.”

It may finally be starting to look like fall in Fairfield, but with that comes critical fire danger and the risk of some communities going dark, which means you’ll need to recharge your batteries, turn on generators and stock up on water and nonperishable foods.

With winds expected to increase, Way says it’s critical to call 911 or public works if you see downed lines, trees or fires.

He said the fire and public works departments are fully staffed to respond to whatever the weekend brings.