California wildfires: Millions warned of possible power cut

2019-10-26 11:56:56

Millions of Californians face having their power cut as firefighters continue to battle a surge in wildfires in the state. Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) said it may have to turn off power in 36 counties amid forecasts of a "historic wind event", which it said could damage facilities and cause new fires. The warning came as wildfires forced some 50,000 people from their homes. A state of emergency has been declared in Los Angeles and Sonoma counties. California's fire department says the state is experiencing "critical fire weather". Commenting on the latest fire, Governor Gavin Newsom said on Friday that PG&E "simply did not do their job". He condemned "years and years of greed, years and years of mismanagement in the utilities".