PG&E helicopter to fly low Wednesday surveying power lines

Foresters will look for dead trees that could pose a fire or other public safety hazard, PG&E said.|

PG&E will conduct a low-flying helicopter survey of power lines in Sonoma County Wednesday, looking for dead trees that could pose a fire or other public safety hazard, the utility said.

Weather permitting, the helicopter will leave from the Sonoma County Airport and fly from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., PG&E spokeswoman Deanna Contreras said in a press release.

Flying 200 to 300 feet above ground, the helicopter will enable foresters to inspect trees along distribution power lines. They will fly higher in areas where livestock are present, she said.

The flyover will start by inspecting trees along Highway 1 over the towns of Jenner, Timber Cove, Cazadero and the community of Plantation. Next, the helicopter will follow Highway 101 over Cloverdale, Asti, Geyserville, Healdsburg and the community of Las Lomas, Contreras said.

If the survey identifies any dead trees, PG&E will send inspectors on foot to verify the trees’ condition and then contact landowners to schedule removal at the utility’s expense.

--Guy Kovner

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