PG&E transmission lines to blame for Kincade Fire in Sonoma County, CAL FIRE says

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- CAL FIRE investigators have released the cause of the Kincade Fire that burned thousands of acres and destroyed hundreds of homes in October 2019.

CAL FIRE has determined the fire was caused by electrical transmission lines owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electricity (PG&E) located northeast of Geyserville.

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

The Kincade fire erupted quickly near some power lines and a power plant, raising some questions whether PG&E's planned power outages are effective. The I-Team has been digging into the source of the blaze. Here's what we've found.

According to the report, dry vegetation and strong winds combined with low humidity contributed to the extreme rates of fire spread.

CAL FIRE has forwarded its investigative report to the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office.

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PG&E released this statement in response to CAL FIRE's investigation:

"We appreciate all the heroic efforts of the first responders who fought the 2019 Kincade Fire, helped local citizens evacuate and made sure no one perished in the fire.

We are aware of CAL FIRE's news release stating that PG&E facilities caused the fire. At this time, we do not have access to CAL FIRE's investigative report or the evidence it has collected. We look forward to reviewing both at the appropriate time.

We want our customers and communities to know that safety is our most important responsibility and that we are working hard every day to reduce wildfire risk throughout our service area."

The Kincade Fire started on Oct. 23, and burned a total of 77,758 acres, destroyed 374 structures and caused four non-life threatening injuries.