The deadline for landowners to submit permission forms to authorize PG&E to remove trees that were cut down for safety after the 2020 Wildfires has been extended to September 14, 2021. Landowners who are interested in the Wood Management Program and have safely accessible wood from trees that PG&E felled, should call 1-877-295-4949 or email wildfiresafety@pge.com.

After the fires, PG&E crews and contract vegetation management crews worked to restore power safely and quickly to customers. This included inspecting and cutting down hazardous trees that posed a potential safety risk to work crews or electric equipment. This work was done in coordination with CAL FIRE and other agencies responding to the wildfires.

After completing tree work, crews chipped wood that was less than four inches in diameter and spread the chips onsite, where possible. Because wood is considered the property of the landowner, any wood larger than four inches in diameter was left onsite. There is no legal or regulatory requirement to remove large-diameter wood, since it is the property of the landowner.

PG&E has been listening to customers and communities and recognizes that wood left on properties can be an additional burden to those already experiencing hardship. In response to this feedback, crews have been returning to those sites and inspecting remaining wood debris to determine if it is eligible for removal. PG&E has been contacting and working directly with landowners who have wood that qualifies for the program to ask if they would allow PG&E to dispose of the large-diameter wood that was cut down for safety.

In addition to phone calls and door knocks that have been conducted to inform property owners of this work, PG&E is sending letters and permission forms to property owners notifying them of the revised deadline to opt-in. Property owner questions should be directed to wildfiresafety@pge.com or 1-877-295-4949.

Over the next few weeks, PG&E contractor crews will be conducting wood removal work. Although this work is taking place on private property, PG&E and its contractors will obtain all required ministerial permits, such as encroachment permits. PG&E contractor crews performing this work will carry identification and provide it upon request.