Fire Season Power Planning for East County San Diego
California fire season brings increased PSPS activity to East County. This guide helps you understand the fire season timeline, prepare your home for power outages, and ensure backup power protection before the high-risk months.
California Fire Season Calendar
Understanding the fire season timeline helps you plan generator installation and maintenance before peak PSPS activity:
| Month | Fire Risk | PSPS Activity | Action Items |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan-Mar | Low | Minimal | Best time for generator installation |
| Apr-May | Moderate | Occasional | Complete annual maintenance |
| Jun-Aug | High | Moderate | Verify propane levels, test systems |
| Sep-Nov | Extreme | Peak | Maximum preparedness required |
| Dec | High | Moderate | Santa Ana wind events continue |
Peak PSPS Period: October-November
Santa Ana wind events peak in October and November, creating the highest fire danger and most frequent PSPS shutoffs. During these months, SDG&E may shut off power multiple times per week in high fire threat districts covering most of East County.
Generator Installation Lead Times
Don't wait until fire season to get a generator. Installation lead times increase significantly during high-demand periods:
Off-Season (Jan-Apr)
- • Assessment to install: 2-3 weeks
- • Generator availability: Excellent
- • Scheduling flexibility: High
- • Best pricing and promotions
Fire Season (May-Nov)
- • Assessment to install: 4-8 weeks
- • Generator availability: Limited
- • Scheduling flexibility: Low
- • Higher demand, limited appointments
Pre-Fire Season Preparation Checklist
Complete these tasks before June 1st to ensure maximum protection during fire season:
For Homeowners Without Generators
- □Schedule generator assessment (March-April ideal)
- □Review pricing and financing options
- □Complete installation before Memorial Day weekend
- □Register for SDG&E PSPS notifications
For Generator Owners
- □Schedule annual maintenance service (April-May)
- □Fill propane tank to 80%+ capacity
- □Clear vegetation within 5 feet of generator
- □Verify Mobile Link app connectivity
- □Test transfer switch operation
During Fire Season: Best Practices
Once fire season begins, follow these practices for maximum preparedness:
- •Monitor weather: Track red flag warnings and Santa Ana wind forecasts
- •Check SDG&E alerts: Review PSPS notifications promptly when received
- •Maintain fuel levels: Refill propane when tank reaches 30% (don't wait for empty)
- •Weekly verification: Confirm generator shows "Ready" status
- •Emergency contacts: Save our 24/7 service number: (619) 443-7693
East County Fire Threat Zones
SDG&E classifies East County areas by fire threat level, determining PSPS frequency:
See our PSPS preparedness checklist for complete preparation guidance before, during, and after power shutoffs.
Get Protected Before Fire Season
The best time to install a generator is before you need it. Contact us today for a free assessment and get your backup power system installed before the next fire season begins.