Downed PG&E lines reported as a possible start of the Camp Fire near Poe Dam
2018Published 24 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor
- Where
- near Poe Dam in Butte County, California
- Operator
- PG&E
- What
- vegetation fire under high-tension power lines
- Cause
- Under investigation
- Outcome
- fire destroyed the town of Paradise
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What happened
On 8 November 2018, firefighters were sent to a vegetation fire under high-tension power lines across the Feather River from Poe Dam in Butte County, California. Radio traffic referred to downed PG&E lines and a possible power line hazard, and crews noted winds of about 35 mph and difficult access. The fire spread and destroyed the town of Paradise. PG&E had warned that it might shut off power in parts of Butte County because of forecast wind and low humidity, but it did not, and later said conditions did not warrant a shut-off. Cal Fire said the cause was still under investigation, including electrical equipment. It had not been determined that the lines started the fire.
Contributing factors
High winds were reported at the scene, and forecasts had cited strong wind and low humidity. Whether downed lines, or the decision not to shut off power, contributed to the fire had not been established.
Lessons learned
- High-tension power lines in high winds need recorded decisions on public safety power shut-off when forecasts show strong wind and low humidity.
- A vegetation fire under transmission lines with reports of downed lines requires immediate hazard checks before crews approach.
More lessons on emergency response and public communication, maintenance, inspection and ageing assets, from every incident on the register.
Not yet known
- Cause of the fire
- Whether downed lines started the fire
- Whether the decision not to shut off power contributed
This entry is updated when these are reported. Get an alert for the next one like it.
Source
Other entries that name Camp
Published 2026-09-24. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.
