Regulators vote to require wireless companies to provide backup power after many lost cell service in 2019 Kincade Fire

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- During Kincade Fire that burned 374 acres in Sonoma County last fall, hundreds of cell towers lost power, making it impossible for people to use their phones for emergencies.

RELATED: Kincade Fire: PG&E tower near ignition point of Sonoma County wildfire was not shut off, had broken equipment

On Thursday, the California Public Utilities Commission voted to require wireless providers to have 72-hours of backup power.

The commission is also asking them to do a better job of working with emergency responders.

RELATED: New CA bill requires cell towers be powered during emergencies, power outages

Last fire season, more than a million people lost service during PG&E blackouts.

CAL FIRE announced Thursday the Kincade Fire was caused by electrical transmission lines owned by PG&E.