Trabuco Canyon Faces Power Shutoff Chance During Red Flag Warning

TRABUCO CANYON, CA —Roughly 13,000 Southern California Edison customers across the Southland were without power Thursday thanks precautionary power shutoffs due to gusting Santa Ana winds. Los Angeles County communities includes Chatsworth Lake Manor, Palmdale and unincorporated areas of Agua Dulce, Acton, Boiling Point, White Heather, Fern Ann Falls, Twin Lakes, Deer Lake Highlands, Santa Susana Knolls.

With the Red Flag warning across Orange County and large fire potential, Orange County Fire Authority responded by upstaffing over 75 firefighters through Saturday. Fierce wind guts, critical wildfire conditions and the possibility of power shutdowns, have Southlanders on edge following two years of catastrophic wildfire seasons.

Nearly 7,300 Orange County Southern California Edison customers may be without power during the Santa Ana wind event, Thursday and Friday, the utility reported. Pro-active power shutoffs are SCE's response to head off fire risk, in advance of potential downed power lines that are known to have sparked wildfires in the past.

When weather conditions exist that carry potential for elevated fire risk, Public Safety Power Shutoffs come into consideration, they said. Strong, dry winds are set to hit the area Thursday and Friday, creating a fire risk. SCE has identified areas in and around Rancho Santa Margarita, the unincorporated areas around San Juan Capistrano, and Trabuco Canyon as potentials for the proactive power shutoffs.

With impending, potentially dangerous weather conditions in fire-prone areas, the power company is prepared to call a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event for those cities.

"During these events, we will proactively turn off power in high fire risk areas to reduce the threat of wildfires," a spokesperson for SCE said. "Turning off our customers' power is not something we take lightly, but PSPS events are one of the ways we can better ensure the safety of the public, our customers, and our employees."

Edison urged residents to check on family members and neighbors who may need assistance in case of a power outage. If a PSPS is implemented, once hazardous conditions have passed it could take 24 to 72 hours to re-energize circuits because SCE must first inspect all power lines in the affected area to ensure they are safe to re-energize.

Along with the red flag warning, a high wind warning was in effect until 3 p.m. Friday.

"Damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles," the NWS warned. "Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects."

Additionally, "people should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive."

In the unincorporated areas of Orange County, Orange County ( approximately 7,250 customers)

• Rancho Santa Margarita
• Orange
• Lake Forest
• Mission Viejo
• Irvine
• Tustin
• Villa Park
• Unincorporated area including North Tustin**, Orange Acres Park, Bee Canyon**, Silverado Canyon, Modjeska, Irvine Regional Park, El Modena**, Panorama Heights and Crown Heights
• North Tustin Map 1, North Tustin Map 2, North Tustin Map 3
• Bee Canyon Map 1, Bee Canyon Map 2
• El Modena Map 1, El Modena Map 2, El Modena Map 3

• Rancho Santa Margarita, including parts of Trabuco Canyon

• Orange

• Unincorporated area including North Tustin