When wildfires threaten San Diego County, first responders are on the front lines protecting lives, homes and communities. Supporting their efforts is a longtime partner committed to public safety: San Diego Gas & Electric® (SDG&E).
Following the devastating wildfires of 2007, SDG&E adopted a "never again" philosophy to wildfire risk. Over the past two decades, the company has invested billions of dollars in system hardening, operational improvements and industry-leading safety programs. Those efforts have helped prevent any major catastrophic wildfire caused by SDG&E electrical equipment for nearly 20 years.
That commitment extends beyond infrastructure. SDG&E works closely with first responders throughout the region, helping provide the training, expertise and resources needed to strengthen wildfire preparedness and emergency response.
A recent example is SDG&E's work at the Ramona Air Attack Base, a vital hub for aerial firefighting operations across Southern California.
When CALFIRE needed significant electrical upgrades to support the base's fire-retardant pump system, SDG&E crews moved quickly. The project included replacing aging electrical equipment and installing upgraded cable systems needed to restore reliable service to the facility.
Because the base remains active during wildfire season, minimizing operational impacts was essential. Working overnight and in close coordination with CALFIRE and contractors, SDG&E completed the work while allowing critical firefighting operations to continue. The team also streamlined a process that typically requires several weeks of outage approvals, reducing the timeline to just seven days.
The upgraded infrastructure helps aircraft reload fire retardant more efficiently and return to active incidents faster, strengthening the region's wildfire response capabilities.
“This project was about supporting one of the region’s most important aerial firefighting resources,” said VP of Electric Operations John Jenkins. “Our crews understood the importance of the work and moved quickly to help ensure the base could continue supporting wildfire response efforts.”
Bringing Firefighting Experience to Prevention
One of SDG&E's most unique wildfire and emergency resources is its Fire Coordinator and Operational Field and Emergency Readiness teams, among the first utility programs of their kind in the nation.
Made up of former firefighters, chief officers and incident commanders, the team brings more than 300 years of combined firefighting experience to SDG&E's wildfire- prevention and emergency preparedness efforts.
They serve as a direct connection between SDG&E and local, state and federal fire agencies. They monitor emergency incidents, provide real-time support during wildfire or natural gas emergencies and help coordinate response activities when utility infrastructure is involved.
Their firsthand experience allows them to bridge the gap between utility operations and emergency response, helping agencies work together more effectively during critical incidents.
Training for Real-World Emergencies
In addition to operational support, SDG&E provides electrical and natural gas safety training to thousands of firefighters and first responders each year.
For more than 25 years, the company has sponsored the San Diego County Multi-Agency Wildland Preparedness Exercise, where thousands of fire personnel participate in realistic emergency scenarios involving utility-related hazards.
Through these programs, first responders receive thousands of hours of hands-on training focused on safely managing incidents involving downed power lines, gas leaks and damaged utility equipment.
“Their support begins long before an emergency and continues well after an incident ends.”
A Trusted Public Safety Partner
For fire agencies across the region, SDG&E's commitment to safety is reflected in years of collaboration and shared purpose.
“As we move into peak wildfire season, it’s important to recognize that SDG&E’s commitment to public safety is not seasonal,” said CALFIRE San Diego County Fire Chief Tony Mecham. “Their support begins long before an emergency and continues well after an incident ends.”
Through continued investment, specialized expertise and strong partnerships with first responders, SDG&E remains focused on a common goal: helping keep communities safe before, during and after emergencies.
By investing in industry-leading wildfire mitigation programs, deploying teams with hundreds of years of firefighting experience, and supporting thousands of first responders each year, SDG&E continues to be a trusted public safety partner before, during and after emergencies.