California's Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety has outlined a comprehensive strategy to enhance wildfire mitigation efforts from 2026 to 2028, focusing on significant improvements in infrastructure and vegetation management. During a recent workshop, officials emphasized the effectiveness of strategic undergrounding and combined covered conductor systems in reducing wildfire risks.

The workshop highlighted that strategic undergrounding is nearly 99% effective in preventing ignitions, particularly in areas prone to high winds and vegetation contact. In contrast, combined covered conductor systems, while beneficial, are less effective due to potential risks such as animal interference and vehicle collisions. The data presented indicated that undergrounding significantly reduces the likelihood of fire ignitions associated with overhead equipment.

To further bolster these efforts, the plan includes the installation of 50 miles of undergrounding and 130 miles of covered conductor over the next three years. This shift towards sustained mitigations aims to eliminate risks rather than merely manage them. The workshop also discussed the importance of operational mitigations, such as vegetation management and advanced protection systems, which are designed to manage risks that cannot be entirely eliminated.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, the plan sets ambitious targets for vegetation management, including the removal or trimming of 65,000 trees to reduce fire hazards. The focus on thorough inspections and proactive measures aims to enhance safety in high fire threat areas.

As California continues to face the challenges of wildfire risks, these strategic initiatives represent a proactive approach to safeguarding communities and infrastructure. The commitment to sustained mitigations and comprehensive vegetation management is expected to significantly reduce the potential for future wildfires, ensuring a safer environment for residents.