Environment In the face of natural disasters, amateur radio groups fill communications void in rural California March 10, 2022 | Scott Rodd As California spends big on high-tech disaster solutions, rural communities are embracing the century-old technology of two-way radios as a failsafe. Listen / Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Environment River Fire human caused, Cal Fire officials say March 7, 2022 | Chris Hagan The River Fire destroyed 142 buildings and burned 2,619 acres in Placer and Nevada counties in August of 2021. While Cal Fire says the fire was human caused, there's no evidence of "malicious intent or criminal activity."
Environment A wildfire near California's Big Sur forces residents to evacuate January 22, 2022 Those living in the Big Sur area were told to evacuate from their homes due to a wildfire that began late Friday, officials said. A wind advisory had been issued in the Bay Area.
Interview: Butte County District Attorney on prosecuting PG&E for another wildfire January 9, 2022 | Tiffany Lew | Mike Hagerty Michael Ramsey prosecuted PG&E for the 2018 Camp Fire and will again now with the Dixie Fire. Cal Fire determined last week the utility was responsible for the 2021 fire, the second-largest in recorded California history. Listen / Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Environment PG&E could be the first utility to access California’s wildfire liability fund after starting Dixie Fire January 6, 2022 | Scott Rodd California established the $21 billion liability fund in 2019 to help utilities cover the cost of major wildfires started by their equipment. Listen / Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Environment Massive Dixie Fire started by PG&E equipment, Cal Fire investigators conclude January 4, 2022 | Scott Rodd The Dixie Fire grew to be the second-largest fire in state history, burning over 960,000 acres and destroying over 1,300 structures. It's the latest in a string of devastating wildfires allegedly caused by the utility's equipment.
Environment California Wildfire History Map January 4, 2022 | Emily Zentner | Liz Anderson As the climate changes and forest fuel loads aren’t properly managed, California’s wildfire season is changing. See how it has shifted over time in this interactive map.
Environment After years of delays, CalFire says updated and expanded wildfire hazard maps are on their way December 20, 2021 | Chris Nichols The fire hazard severity maps show which areas are most vulnerable to wildfire in California and were last updated in 2007.
Environment Father, son arrested for allegedly starting Caldor Fire have been under investigation since August, attorney says December 8, 2021 | Scott Rodd David Scott Smith, 66, and Travis Shane Smith, 32, are accused of reckless arson related to the Caldor Fire, which burned for 67 days In El Dorado and Amador counties and destroyed more than 1,000 structures.
State Government After long delay, California lawmakers hold wildfire oversight hearing December 7, 2021 | Scott Rodd State lawmakers held an oversight hearing Tuesday to discuss wildfires and how the state plans to spend this year’s record-setting investment to prevent them.
