Pacific Gas & Electric Co. will avoid criminal charges for two wildfires started by its equipment under settlements announced Monday by district attorneys of six Northern California counties.
As part of the agreements, no criminal charges will be filed in connection with last year's Dixie fire, and a criminal complaint regarding the 2019 Kincade fire will be dismissed. The utility still faces charges in the 2020 Zogg fire, which killed four people and destroyed more than 200 buildings when it burned through 56,000 acres in Shasta and Tehama counties.
In return, PG&E has agreed to pay about $55 million over five years in civil penalties and payments to local nonprofits and educational organizations. The utility will also launch a direct claims program for victims of the Dixie Fire through which those who lost their homes can submit claims for expedited review, approval and payment, according to PG&E.
