PG&E announced that the company is providing residents in the area of the Valley Fire the option to have PG&E remove or chip the large wood debris left behind by the utility’s removal of hazardous and fire-damaged trees.
“PG&E is working to support residents and communities as they begin recovering from this devastating fire. This is a unique challenge that is a growing concern for our customers and we are committed to offering our assistance to the greatest extent practicable,” said Carl Schoenhofer, senior manager of PG&E’s Humboldt Division, which includes Humboldt, Mendocino and Lake counties.
The company is developing a program to give customers the option for PG&E to remove, relocate or chip the wood if the customer requests it. While final details of the program are being developed, PG&E considers it important to note that debris removal will be contingent on adequate roadway access.
Customers in the fire-stricken area who would like to request a wood removal assessment may call 1-800-PGE (743)-5000.
PG&E is required by state law to cut down fire-damaged trees that pose a hazard to utility facilities after a wildfire. Even trees that appear to be healthy on the outside may be damaged and need to be addressed before they become a public safety hazard. This work is intended to community safety. Consistent with best management practices, PG&E contract crews chip and remove, or as an erosion control measure, spread the chipped material onsite.
Debris that are not accessible to roadways are cut and scattered in accordance with forest practice rules. The larger pieces of wood are the customer’s property and they may want to use it for firewood or merchantable timber.
