SDG&E Bolsters Region's Firefighting Capabilities With New Helicopter and Strike Team

2009-09-07 17:13:03 -

SAN DIEGO, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 09/07/09 --


WHAT: Press conference to introduce Wildfire Strike Team and to announce details on new firefighting helicopter that are part of SDG&E's Community Fire Safety Program for 2009. SDG&E will also outline its progress to date on steps taken to improve power line safety, especially during fire season.
That progress includes:

--  Replacing more than 700 wood poles with fire-resistant steel poles;

--  Undergrounding power lines in high-risk fire areas;

--  Enhancing  tree-trimming and equipment inspection programs;

--  Installing cutting-edge technology on utility poles to reduce risk of

    ignition;

--  Securing  dozens of generators for schools, water agencies and care

    centers;

--  Staging crews in highest fire risk areas for quicker response;

--  Distributing emergency kits and corded telephones to residents.

    

WHEN:     Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009

          12:30 p.m.



WHERE:    SDG&E Headquarters

          8330 Century Park Drive



WHO:      Debra L. Reed, president and chief executive officer, SDG&E

          Michael R. Niggli, chief operating officer, SDG&E

          Chief Jeff Meston, FIRE STOP

          Chief Augie Ghio, president, San Diego County Fire Chiefs'

          Association

          Tony Young, San Diego City Council Member

          Dave Allen, vice mayor, City of La Mesa

          Steve Castaneda, Chula Vista City Council Member

          Chairman Johnny Hernandez, Santa Ysabel Tribal Council

VISUALS:

--  Wildfire Strike Team and engines now under contract to SDG&E to

    provide seasonal wildfire protection in strategic backcountry locations

--  An "Intelliruptor," a piece of cutting-edge technology that has been

    installed on more than 100 utility poles to reduce risk of ignition

--  Generators SDG&E has obtained for school districts and water agencies

    during fire season in the event of a fire shut-off

--  Emergency kits with corded phones SDG&E has assembled and distributed

    to medically sensitive backcountry customers

    

CONTACT:
Jennifer Ramp
San Diego Gas & Electric
(877) 866-2066
(858) 740-4431 (Cell)
Email Contact : www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=3EF417396FE2FAC1