Fairfield residents are preparing for power shutoffs as fire danger and wind gusts increase

FAIRFIELD – Winds are picking up across the Northern California region and thousands could be left in the dark. PG&E demands Safety shutdowns for power supply in several areas throughout Solano County.

High winds and low humidity are a dangerous combination that leads to warning signals and power shutdowns. CBS Sacramento meteorologists are forecasting winds of nearly 60 mph between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. in Fairfield

“We have flashlights ready and our neighbor sometimes shares his generator with us,” said David Harrington, who lives in Fairfield.

Harrington's street in Fairfield on Rolling Wood Drive was originally scheduled to go dark, but PG&E removed it from the list. However, much of its surrounding area is still at risk.

In his 30 years of living on a dry hillside, power outages and fires have always worried him.

“A few years ago the fire came right down the hill and got pretty close to our backyard fence,” Harrington said.

Bill Way, communications manager for the city of Fairfield, said they have focused on weed control programs such as goat grazing and debris removal to prepare for such dangerous weather events.

“We had a very nice mitigation program this year that provided a good barrier, but at the same time, with low humidity and high winds, we always have to be prepared,” Way said.

Because of this, the city decided to close some of its parks Thursday evening and reopen Sunday morning, including Rockville Hills Regional Park, Spyglass Open Space and Serpas Ranch/Rolling Hills Open Space.

“I think it’s a good idea,” said Felipe Valles, who lives in Fairfield. “You don’t want anything to happen here. I mean, this place is going up in smoke.”

It may finally feel like fall in Fairfield, but with that comes great fire danger and the risk of darkness in some communities. This means charging your batteries, upgrading generators, and stocking up on water and non-perishable food.

With winds expected to increase, Way said it's important to call 911 or the public works department if you see downed lines, trees or fires.

He said fire and public works crews are fully staffed to respond to whatever the weekend brings.