SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – Federal officials have launched a criminal probe into PG&E as part of their ongoing investigation into what ignited the Mosquito Fire, the largest wildfire in California this year.
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A filing by PG&E with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday revealed that the U.S. Forest Service has taken possession of both a transmission pole from the utility and attached equipment which was located near the Oxbow Reservoir, which is where the fire first sparked on Sept. 6.
A power pole was seen surrounded by yellow tape that day and PG&E filed a report acknowledging that there was a fault in that spot around the time that the fire started.
In a statement to KCBS Radio, PG&E said it is cooperating with the federal investigation while also conducting its own internal investigation.
"PG&E’s most important responsibility is the safety of our customers and the communities we serve. We are grateful for the first responders who have been fighting the Mosquito Fire," officials said in a statement. "The U.S. Forest Service has not made a determination on the cause of the fire. PG&E is cooperating with the USFS investigation. While PG&E is conducting our own investigation into the events that led to the fire, we do not have access to the physical evidence that was collected as part of the USFS investigation over the weekend. As the threat of extreme weather continues to impact our state and the West, we remain focused on preventing major wildfires and safely delivering energy to our customers and hometowns."
The forest service confirmed to KCBS Radio that they are investigating the utility, but could not comment further citing pending litigation.
In addition, a separate lawsuit has been filed against the utility on behalf of people who have lost homes and businesses due to the massive blaze.
The Mosquito Fire, still burning in El Dorado and Placer Counties, has scorched 76,775 acres and is 85% contained as of Monday.
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