SCE Helicopter Hovers Over Murrieta Area

MURRIETA, CA — A helicopter buzzing over the Santa Rosa Plateau and surrounding communities Friday is a Southern California Edison chopper conducting aerial inspections as part of wildfire mitigation efforts, the utility confirmed.

The helicopter crew is looking at SCE equipment to check for needed maintenance, repair or
replacement, according to SCE Senior Advisor Diane Castro.

The utility annually inspects its overhead transmission, distribution and generation
equipment in high fire risk areas — such as the Plateau — to identify potential safety hazards, but in 2021 SCE is conducting additional surveillance.

Read more about the utility's 2021 Wildfire Mitigation Plan.

Much of California is currently in a drought emergency, and fire officials have warned that "fire season" is now year-round. Earlier this month, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a $536-million wildfire package enabling the state to take urgent prevention actions in communities across the state.

In March, Newsom also authorized $80.74 million in emergency funds for 1,399 additional Cal Fire personnel to bolster statewide fuels management and wildfire response efforts.