It Only Takes a Spark

Understanding wildfire risks for the L.A. Department of Water and Power and improving prevention efforts

L.A. Controller Ron Galperin

While wildfires have been a fact of life for more than a century in California, residents are now enduring bigger, more destructive blazes. The causes vary, but 85 percent of fires stem in some way from the impact of humans on the environment. Arson, carelessly tossed cigarettes, and sparks from overhead power lines colliding with trees or brush are common wildfire culprits.

Controller Galperin presents this visual resource to accompany his  report  on the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's (DWP) wildfire prevention efforts. Scroll below to learn more about utility-related wildfires in California, the challenges DWP is facing and recommendations for improvement.

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Recommendations to Enhance DWP's Wildfire Prevention Efforts

Given the increased frequency of wildfires throughout California, DWP needs to do more to proactively mitigate the challenges it faces.  Controller Ron Galperin's report  makes a number of recommendations to help DWP improve the safety and reliability of its power system. Scroll to the photos below and click the arrows to read them.

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Additional resources

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