Edison International
11/22/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/22/2024 15:54
SCE Team Aids Wildfire Safety
Tearing through nearly 20,000 acres, the Santa Ana wind-driven Mountain Fire moved swiftly, chaotically and destructively through Ventura County.
Winds like those experienced during the Mountain Fire are not uncommon for November - gusts usually pick up starting in October, creating dry and easily ignitable conditions throughout Southern California.
SCE's Fire Management team responds to the Mountain Fire in Ventura County.
"Wind is the great equalizer," said Kyle Gordon, Southern California Edison Fire Management senior advisor. "A lot of people think because temperatures start to cool down, the risk decreases, but unfortunately when we have these intense winds, it causes some of the most extreme fire weather."
Gordon is one of two Fire Management team members at SCE, a position that demands a special set of skills - a background as both a lineman and firefighter.
Having spent seven years with the U.S. Forest Service, five years on a hot shot crew and eight years as a journeyman lineman, Gordon's experience gives him a unique perspective that he applies to his current role.
SCE's Fire Management team responds to all fires that may impact electric utility poles and equipment.
PHOTO CREDIT: Taylor Hillo
When a wildfire could approach SCE equipment, Gordon and his counterpart, Troy Whitman, respond to the incident command post. There, they integrate with fire agencies to assist with needs firefighters encounter, such as de-energizing lines to keep firefighters safe as they battle a blaze.
"It's really beneficial when we are out on fires to be able to speak both languages," Gordon said. "We understand the hazards of fighting a fire and the challenges of fighting ones around power lines."
During the Mountain Fire, Gordon and Whitman closely monitored SCE's network of live feed wildfire cameras for any shifts in activity that could affect power lines and equipment.
"When we see any threats, we immediately inform our grid control center so they can take action," said Whitman.
The Fire Management team coordinates with fire agencies to assess when conditions are safe for SCE crews to restore power.
PHOTO CREDIT: Roberto Lazarte
As containment increases during incidents, the Fire Management team and fire agencies assess when and where it is safe to send SCE line crews in to begin restoring power - a process that can take weeks to complete.
"Every day, we meet with representatives from the gas utility, cable, SCE or any other stakeholders with equipment in the area to discuss needs," Gordon said. "We all work together to get everybody back on as fast as possible."
With decades of combined experience, the relationships Gordon and Whitman have amassed create trust between departments, which leads to a smoother process when working to get people home safely after a fire.
Kyle Gordon (left) and Troy Whitman both have experience as firefighters and lineworkers, experience that helps them in their current roles.
PHOTO CREDIT: Taylor Hillo
"I've known a lot of these guys for so long, many of them have become good friends," said Whitman. "When there's that trust, it makes this job a lot easier. We know we're all working toward the same goal - getting people back to normal."
Even in the wetter, less fire-prone seasons, Gordon and Whitman continue building those relationships. Every year, they work with fire departments across California to provide electrical safety training to more than 1,000 firefighters.
"That training is really important," Gordon said. "The thing about electricity is you can't see it, smell it or taste it. There are no senses that can prepare us to work around it. It's all about what you know."
For more information on SCE's wildfire mitigation efforts, visit edison.com/wildfiresafety.