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Cal Fire says September Zogg fire caused by tree into electrical equipment
The Zogg fire began on Sept. 27, 2020, on Zogg Mine Road and Jenny Bird Lane, north of the community of Igo.
The fire ultimately burned a total of 56,338 acres in Shasta and Tehama counties, destroyed 204 structures and caused four civilian fatalities and one non-life-threatening injury, Cal Fire said.
Cal Fire said its investigators were immediately dispatched to the Zogg fire and began working to determine the origin and cause of the fire.
After “a meticulous and thorough investigation,” Cal Fire said it has determined that the Zogg fire was caused by a pine tree contacting electrical distribution lines owned and operated by PG&E located north of Igo.
In response to Cal Fire’s report, PG&E issued a statement in which the company said, "The loss of life and devastation in the communities impacted by the Zogg Fire is tragic, and we recognize that nothing can heal the hearts of those who have lost so much. We also thank the courageous first responders who saved lives, protected property and worked to contain and put out the fire.”
PG&E said it has fully cooperated with Cal Fire’s investigation.
“While we have not been given access to Cal Fire's report or evidence it collected, we look forward to reviewing both when we are allowed to do so. We filed an Electric Incident Report with the California Public Utilities Commission on Oct. 9, 2020, related to the Zogg Fire,” the company reported.
PG&E said it remains focused “on continuing to reduce wildfire risk throughout our system and executing on the commitments made in our 2021 Wildfire Mitigation Plan,” which include new electric grid technology, hardening of the electric system, accelerated inspections of electric infrastructure, enhanced vegetation management around power lines, and real-time monitoring and situational awareness tools to better understand how severe weather can impact PG&E's system.
“PG&E's most important responsibility is the safety of our customers and communities we serve. As the threat of extreme weather continues to impact portions of California, we remain focused on preventing major wildfires and are committed to our mission to safely deliver energy to our customers and communities,” the company said.
The Zogg Fire investigative report has been forwarded to the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office, Cal Fire said.