[jonrick46]

It seems to me that the power lines are a major fire hazard. There needs to be the total removal of foliage along the route with gravel to discourage new growth. Many use this technique in their landscaping to discourage weeds.

There is the strategy adopted in California to shut off power in hazardous areas in the event of high winds. This looks good on the surface but what happens when fire crews can't get water to put out the fires when the power to water pumps is cut off?

[MD Expat in PA]

There is the strategy adopted in California to shut off power in hazardous areas in the event of high winds. This looks good on the surface but what happens when fire crews can't get water to put out the fires when the power to water pumps is cut off?

That is a very good question. I don't know the answer. There is also the question about elderly and disabled residents who rely on power for medical equipment, but one would hope they have a backup power source but a sudden and unwarned power outage in the middle of the night would still be a problem.