Santa Ana Winds Drive Power Shutoffs in California
Santa Ana Winds Drive Power Shutoffs in California
US · Published Nov 2, 2026
• Residents in Calabasas and Malibu, California, are raising concerns after experiencing three days of public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) in October.
• These shutoffs were implemented by the local utility to prevent wildfires during strong Santa Ana winds, which fueled the Malibu Bryson Fire.

Impact & Risks

The power shutoffs have left residents in fire-prone areas without critical communication tools during emergencies, raising safety concerns. The inability to call 911 or receive emergency notifications during high-risk periods could exacerbate the dangers posed by wildfires. Additionally, the recurring nature of these outages has disrupted daily life and heightened frustrations among affected communities. While the utility argues that safety must come first, residents are calling for more sustainable solutions to balance fire prevention with reliable access to essential services.

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