Wildfires in California forced thousands of evacuations this weekend. At least 90,000 fled their homes to run away from the disaster.
Power Cuts
The wildfires destroyed dozens of buildings. More than two million residents in California face power cuts as winds expected. Forecasters predict the strongest winds of California’s history in the region. The largest planned power outage in the region aims to prevent the spread of further wildfires. Pacific Gas & Electric notified customers that it will cut power until noon on Monday. The public safety power shutoff impacts 940,000 households and businesses across 36 counties of Northern California.
Evacuations
More than 2,000 people evacuated the state’s upmarket wine country as an electricity tower caught on fire. Investors who invested in upmarket wine in this region will likely face negative outcomes. Electricity equipment often catch on fire amid strong winds in California. Pacific Gas & Electric company seeks bankruptcy protection following lawsuits over last year’s Camp Fire. Damaged electricity equipment owned by Pacific Gas & Electric company sparked the Camp Fire which killed 85 people in California.
The fire near Geyserville, a town famous for its hot springs, burned more than 50 buildings. The county ordered residents to evacuate the area. Tourism sector in this area may suffer the consequences of evacuations.
Businesses in California
The fire burned more than 30,000 acres of land. Businesses in the region face the negative effects of the fire and the power outage. Companies need to rebuild damaged and destroyed properties before they can function after the wildfires. Some unaffected regions of California face power outage as well as the affected regions. Even if there is no wildfire near some regions, businesses in these regions will still face the consequences of the power outage. Businesses relying on agricultural goods coming from California might face a lack of supply.
State of Emergency
Los Angeles and Sonoma counties declared a state of emergency. Effects of wildfires will likely be long lasting. After efforts to contain wildfires succeed, projects to rebuild the region will follow.