September 26, 2000
 Karen Terrill
Information Officer
(916) 653-5123


Pacific Gas and Electric Company Recipient of
Partnership Award


Sacramento -

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) is pleased to present the Partnership Award to Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for its outstanding work to reduce power line caused fires, educate CDF personnel on power line safety, and increase awareness of fire safety. This award acknowledges Pacific Gas and Electric Company for its assistance in the development of the Power Line Fire Prevention Field Guide and the Power Line / Electricity training display at the CDF Academy.

The Partnership Award was created by CDF in 1997 to recognize individuals, organizations, groups, associations, volunteers and others who demonstrate a sustained ability to work cooperatively with the department.

On Friday, September 29, 2000, the CDF Director Andrea E. Tuttle will present the Partnership Award to PG&E's Shan Bhattacharya, vice president for electric transmission and distribution engineering and planning, at CDF headquarters in Sacramento. "A dry tree branch verses a hot power line can be a recipe for disaster. Several of California's worst wildland fires started this way," said CDF Director Andrea Tuttle. "PG&E joined with us to prevent future disasters by aggressively enforcing their statewide tree-trimming program. We selected them for the CDF Partnership Award because of this outstanding cooperation."

When: Friday, September 29, 2000
10:00 a.m.
Where: CDF Headquarters (Downtown Sacramento)
1416 Ninth Street (corner of 9th & N) Room 1501
What: CDF's Partnership Award will be presented to Pacific Gas and Electric Company for its cooperative partnership in working with CDF in fire prevention.


Pacific Gas and Electric Company's Projects:

Power Line Fire Prevention Field Guide:

  • This 45-page guide was developed by CDF in partnership with fire agencies and the electric utilities. Its purpose is to provide information about how power line construction and maintenance can promote fire safety in the wildland areas. The Guide is designed to be a tool for fire personnel by explaining electric power, clearance requirements, tree identification, as well as federal and state laws. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for proper training, but as a reference for personnel already familiar with the subject.
  • To view the Power Line Fire Prevention Field Guide: Visit the CDF Website at www.fire.ca.gov/fire_marshal/osfm_fguide.html

    Power Line / Electricity Training Display:

  • This 100-square foot exhibit, located at the CDF Training Academy in Amador County, includes a display of power poles and equipment that gives firefighters first hand knowledge of the inner workings of utility equipment. The "students" are taught how electric systems work and how to identify when a fuse or insulator is blown. The goal of the "hands on" display is to educate firefighters and reduce wildland fires.

  • For more information on the CDF Training Academy contact: Academy Administrator Bill Cote or Director of Fire Training Fred McVay at (209) 274-2426

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