PG&E wood chipping service hopes to cut down Bay Area fire risks

HAYWARD, Calif. (KGO) -- The little bit of rain we got in the last 24 hours did little to reduce the drought or ease the fire danger here in the East Bay Hills. In fact, the Hayward fire department in conjunction with PG&E has actually extended its free chipping service for residents to cut down their trees and brush in order to create a defensible space.

The little bit of water we got these past 24 hours is enough to help the lawns perhaps, but the fuels are thick and dry. Fire officials say the high fire danger will probably persist for the next couple of months.

PG&E is paying $5.5 million for the service.

"We will have a contractors come into the home of the local resident and take away their debris and chip that into woodchips, said Monica Tell of PG&E."

"They're chipping my oleander bushes from my back yard that I cut down and put in the driveway. I'm glad to get it done because it would cost a lot of money if you were to do it on your own," said Al Dunham of Hayward.

Water officials are still reminding people to turn off the sprinklers for a few days now that we did get a little bit of rain.