The summer solstice marks the official start of summer. And this year, it’s the earliest it has been in more than 200 years. That might explain why it feels like summer showed up early.

But the heat hasn’t stopped Southern California Edison crews from continuing installation and upgrades of critical electrical equipment. They are also prepared to quickly respond to possible power outages in all weather conditions.

SCE’s weather team recently warned of potentially dangerous fire conditions associated with the early heat. When there is a combination of high temperatures, dry conditions and gusty winds, a small grass fire could quickly transition into a rapidly moving wildfire.

“An unusually strong weather system created very windy and very dry conditions last weekend, causing a spike in recent wildfire activity,” said Nicholas Sette, SCE Weather Services senior manager.

Customers are encouraged to be proactive by clearing brush from around their properties, which helps protect their homes during a fire.

“Nothing matters more than safety and we take extra precautions to ensure we’re prepared for peak fire season,” said Raymond Fugere, SCE director of Wildfire Safety. “To further mitigate wildfire risk, SCE’s crews are conducting additional inspections of electrical equipment and aiming to complete those supplemental inspections as quickly and safely as possible.”

SCE is also implementing remote-controlled reclosers on power poles, new technology that can automatically detect when a foreign object such as palm fronds, metallic balloons or wildlife contact a power line. The recloser disconnects the line to reduce the risks of a hazardous condition.

“We are continually improving, getting better every year, always striving to reduce as much risk as possible,” says Fugere. “And if the power goes out, we will respond quickly.”

Customers may report outages at sce.com/outage or 1-800-611-1911.
For more information on SCE's wildfire mitigation efforts, visit edison.com/wildfiresafety.