New poles and wires at the staging area.
New wires at the staging area.
Rows of transformers at the staging area.
Crossarms are set up at SCE's staging area.
First responders have allowed crews ground access to areas deemed safe.
UPDATED: Aug. 21, 6 p.m.
As the Blue Cut Fire continues to burn, first responders have allowed Southern California Edison crews ground access to areas that have been deemed safe to begin restoration efforts.
A staging area has been set up near the fire in San Bernardino County for extra personnel and the vast amount of equipment that will be needed to be replaced or repaired, including poles, wires and transformers. More than 300 SCE personnel are now working on restoration efforts.
Damage assessment teams have identified 384 poles that have been destroyed or damaged. Currently, there are 140 customers without power in the cities of Hesperia, Oak Hills, Pinon Hills, Phelan,, Victorville and a number of communities in unincorporated San Bernardino County. Crews are working to install portable generation in some locations, where possible, to restore service to customers.
In addition, customers who are allowed to return to their homes and businesses may not have electric service and should be prepared to be without service for an extended period of time.
SCE personnel will also be staffing the Local Assistance Center at the San Bernardino fairgrounds in Victorville. Locals affected by the fire can get updated outage information and other customer support services, including help with turnoffs and temporary address changes.
SCE employees at the Local Assistance Center.
The Blue Cut Fire started on Monday and has burned 37,020 acres. The fire is now 83 percent contained.
If you see downed lines, please call 911 and report it to the police and fire departments immediately. Never touch or try to move a downed power line.
Do not rely on candles for lighting during a power outage because they could pose a fire hazard; please use flashlights.