We have a rural electrical co-op that furnishes our electricity. Since it's not owned by those wanting to please shareholders, keeping the right-of-ways clear is a priority. I'm guessing they keep about 10 feet on each side of the lines clear to the ground, and they grind the underbrush to right above the dirt. This allows the company access for maintenance, and keeps dangerous ground faults from tree limbs touching the cables during high winds. It's all good, and even though I live in a forested area, the service is better than when I lived in a rural area with few trees. That area was serviced by a huge electric company, and they gave a rodent's fanny about my concerns.
From what I've been reading, a problem that might have caused the huge fires in the L.A. area was a lack of keeping the local grid cleared. Extra high winds, limbs touching the cables, and the sparks created more fires than could be handled. The result is what we see, and the utility company had its hands tied with regulations. Regardless of what was appropriate, it was prevented from an important job by government officials willing to sacrifice people for environmental concerns without merit.
So, who do they sacrifice for the problem? My guess, the electric company will be found in fault and those most responsible will have no problem continuing their environmental madness. Hopefully I'm wrong, but I'm thinking I'm not. Those willing to rebuild will find their electricity will come from underground cables, the expensive alternate construction will be beyond the means of an average homeowner, and large tracts of land will be available for the rich and famous.
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