Malibu fire power shutoffs a 'tool of last resort,' says SoCal Edison rep.

MALIBU, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 10: The Franklin Fire burns at dawn with the Pacific Ocean visible in the distance on December 10, 2024 in Malibu, California. The wildfire has scorched 1,800 acres near Pepperdine University prompting evacuations along the coast amid high winds with some structures destroyed.
MALIBU, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 10: The Franklin Fire burns at dawn with the Pacific Ocean visible in the distance on December 10, 2024 in Malibu, California. The wildfire has scorched 1,800 acres near Pepperdine University prompting evacuations along the coast amid high winds with some structures destroyed. Photo credit Mario Tama/Getty Images

Southern California Edison (SCE) crews are actively working to restore power to over 6,000 customers affected by Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) implemented due to the Franklin Fire in Malibu.

"We absolutely 100% understand that these public safety power shutoff events significantly impact our customer's daily lives," Diane Castro with Southern California Edison told KNX News' Nataly Tavidian, saying PSPS are only used "as a tool of last resort."

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SCE says the power is off for two reasons: firefighter safety and public safety.

The utility company has not provided a specific timeline for power restoration. "There is no exact time frame," Castro said. "We are actively inspecting the circuits in that area and restoring power as soon as it is safe to do so."

For those wondering why homes with underground power lines are also de-energized, Castro says those are powered by above-ground lines.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images