PG&E close to plea deal in criminal case for destructive 2019 Kincade Fire

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A preliminary hearing has been paused in the criminal case against Pacific Gas & Electric for the 2019 Kincade Fire that burned in Sonoma County.

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

The DA and utility are reportedly close to a plea deal in the case.

Hearings will resume Feb 28. if no deal is finalized.

RELATED: PG&E's criminal probation to end amid ongoing safety worries

PG&E faces 33 criminal charges for causing the wildfire, which started on Oct. 23 -- burning a total of 77,758 acres, destroying 374 structures and causing four non-life threatening injuries.

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.

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