TFTT Report

When a natural disaster strikes, time is of the essence. Emergency workers must respond quickly, efficiently and effectively. The same goes for those providing life-sustaining services, like water and electricity.

A deadly, 50,000-acre fire broke out in Kern County, California in June 2016, destroying 300 homes. Many of those impacted by the fire were California Water Service (Cal Water) customers. Cal Water employees worked around the clock to keep its impacted facilities up and running and to ensure that everyone affected, not just its customers, had bottled water when they needed it.

Cal Water’s vast statewide resources and expertise ensured it could assist its customers and emergency workers during and after the disaster response. As the fire knocked out power in the area, Cal Water brought in multiple portable generators and other support from around the state to keep water flowing for firefighters, residents and businesses.

“We were in a unique position to assist our customers because we know the community so well,” said Greg Milleman, Cal Water’s Director of Field Operations who served as Cal Water’s incident commander.

Read more from the California Water Association about how Cal Water was able to leverage its resources to assist the Kern County community during the recent Erskine Fire.