PG&E donates trees for Burning Man temple being built in Oakland

Artists and volunteers have gathered in Oakland to build temple parts for the annual Burning Man event. And this year, an unlikely organization is pitching in to help.

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- An unlikely organization is pitching in to help build this year's Burning Man temple -- something that will be burned down in a spectacular fire in the Nevada desert.

[Ads /]
PG&E is donating dead trees that will be used as lumber to build the gigantic structure.

California's drought and a widespread bark beetle infestation have killed millions of trees.

PHOTOS: Incredible images of sculpture set aflame at Burning Man

Many of the dead trees are being shipped to a mill in Richmond, where they are being turned into lumber to build the Burning Man temple.
[Ads /]
"We're then taking these boards, cutting them, and stacking them," said lead temple artist Steven Brummond. "Kind of like a log cabin but in a very beautiful, methodical way. Basically building a huge wooden pyre."

PHOTOS: A look back at the best Burning Man costumes

The temple, along with a wooden structure of Burning Man, is set on fire on the last day of the festival.

This year's event runs from Aug. 27 through Sept. 4.

Report a correction or typo