(CNN)Criminal charges have been filed against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company over the 2019 Kincade Fire in California.

The massive fire, which burned through more than 77,000 acres of vegetation in Sonoma County, was ignited by electrical transmission lines owned and operated by PG&E in northeast Geyserville, a Cal Fire investigation found. The fire destroyed 374 structures, damaged another 60 and caused injuries.Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch charged PG&E with five felonies and 28 misdemeanors Tuesday. The charges include unlawfully starting a fire which caused bodily injury, unlawfully burning inhabited structures, unlawfully causing a fire which burned forests, and various air pollution crimes, the District Attorney’s Office said in a statement. The utility has faced scrutiny in recent years over its equipment’s role in a spate of deadly and destructive California fires. Last summer, PG&E pleaded guilty to 85 counts, including involuntary manslaughter and unlawfully starting the Camp Fire, the deadliest blaze in the state’s history.In pictures: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaIn pictures: Wildfires scorch California Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaFirefighters spray water on a backfire while battling the spread of the Maria Fire on Friday, November 1. It is just one of the numerous wildfires in California right now.Firefighters spray water on a backfire while battling the spread of the Maria Fire on Friday, November 1. It is just one of the numerous wildfires in California right now. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaFirefighters spray water on a backfire while battling the spread of the Maria Fire on Friday, November 1. It is just one of the numerous wildfires in California right now.Hide Caption 1 of 56A firefighter works at containing the Maria Fire in the hills near Ventura, California, on November 1.A firefighter works at containing the Maria Fire in the hills near Ventura, California, on November 1. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaA firefighter works at containing the Maria Fire in the hills near Ventura, California, on November 1.Hide Caption 2 of 56Firefighters spray water onto a tree while fighting the Maria Fire in Ventura County, California, on November 1.Firefighters spray water onto a tree while fighting the Maria Fire in Ventura County, California, on November 1. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaFirefighters spray water onto a tree while fighting the Maria Fire in Ventura County, California, on November 1.Hide Caption 3 of 56A long-exposure photo shows the Maria Fire as it races across a hillside in Santa Paula, California, on November 1.A long-exposure photo shows the Maria Fire as it races across a hillside in Santa Paula, California, on November 1. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaA long-exposure photo shows the Maria Fire as it races across a hillside in Santa Paula, California, on November 1.Hide Caption 4 of 56Firefighters watch the progress of a backfire near Somis.Firefighters watch the progress of a backfire near Somis. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaFirefighters watch the progress of a backfire near Somis.Hide Caption 5 of 56The remains of the Louis Robidoux Nature Center keep smoldering after the structure was destroyed by a wildfire in Riverside, California.The remains of the Louis Robidoux Nature Center keep smoldering after the structure was destroyed by a wildfire in Riverside, California. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaThe remains of the Louis Robidoux Nature Center keep smoldering after the structure was destroyed by a wildfire in Riverside, California.Hide Caption 6 of 56A firefighter sprays down the smoldering remains of a burning home in San Bernardino, California, on Thursday, October 31. It was affected by the Hillside Fire.A firefighter sprays down the smoldering remains of a burning home in San Bernardino, California, on Thursday, October 31. It was affected by the Hillside Fire. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaA firefighter sprays down the smoldering remains of a burning home in San Bernardino, California, on Thursday, October 31. It was affected by the Hillside Fire.Hide Caption 7 of 56Marco Alcaraz uses a garden hose to try to slow down the advance of the Easy Fire in Simi Valley.Marco Alcaraz uses a garden hose to try to slow down the advance of the Easy Fire in Simi Valley. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaMarco Alcaraz uses a garden hose to try to slow down the advance of the Easy Fire in Simi Valley.Hide Caption 8 of 56Firefighters work to prevent a blaze from spreading to other homes in San Bernardino.Firefighters work to prevent a blaze from spreading to other homes in San Bernardino. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaFirefighters work to prevent a blaze from spreading to other homes in San Bernardino.Hide Caption 9 of 56An Air Force One from Ronald Reagan's presidency sits on display as the Easy Fire burns near Reagan's presidential library on October 30.An Air Force One from Ronald Reagan's presidency sits on display as the Easy Fire burns near Reagan's presidential library on October 30. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaAn Air Force One from Ronald Reagan’s presidency sits on display as the Easy Fire burns near Reagan’s presidential library on October 30.Hide Caption 10 of 56Firefighters brace themselves for incoming fire retardant as they battle the Easy Fire in Simi Valley.Firefighters brace themselves for incoming fire retardant as they battle the Easy Fire in Simi Valley. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaFirefighters brace themselves for incoming fire retardant as they battle the Easy Fire in Simi Valley.Hide Caption 11 of 56Fabio Losurdo comforts his horse, Smarty, at a ranch in Simi Valley on October 30.Fabio Losurdo comforts his horse, Smarty, at a ranch in Simi Valley on October 30. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaFabio Losurdo comforts his horse, Smarty, at a ranch in Simi Valley on October 30.Hide Caption 12 of 56Flames approach the backyards of mobile homes in Jurupa Valley, California, on October 30.Flames approach the backyards of mobile homes in Jurupa Valley, California, on October 30. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaFlames approach the backyards of mobile homes in Jurupa Valley, California, on October 30.Hide Caption 13 of 56Laura Horvitz, right, and Robyn Phipps help rescue goats from a ranch near the Reagan Presidential Library.Laura Horvitz, right, and Robyn Phipps help rescue goats from a ranch near the Reagan Presidential Library. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaLaura Horvitz, right, and Robyn Phipps help rescue goats from a ranch near the Reagan Presidential Library.Hide Caption 14 of 56Health care workers evacuate the Riverside Heights Healthcare Center on October 30.Health care workers evacuate the Riverside Heights Healthcare Center on October 30. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaHealth care workers evacuate the Riverside Heights Healthcare Center on October 30.Hide Caption 15 of 56Inmate firefighters battle the Kincade Fire near Healdsburg, California, on Tuesday, October 29.Inmate firefighters battle the Kincade Fire near Healdsburg, California, on Tuesday, October 29. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaInmate firefighters battle the Kincade Fire near Healdsburg, California, on Tuesday, October 29.Hide Caption 16 of 56A home between Healdsburg and Windsor is surrounded by charred ground on October 29. A home between Healdsburg and Windsor is surrounded by charred ground on October 29. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaA home between Healdsburg and Windsor is surrounded by charred ground on October 29. Hide Caption 17 of 56From left, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Bonin and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti tour a burned home in Brentwood, California, on October 29. From left, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Bonin and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti tour a burned home in Brentwood, California, on October 29. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaFrom left, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Bonin and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti tour a burned home in Brentwood, California, on October 29. Hide Caption 18 of 56Firefighters work near the Getty Center in Los Angeles on Monday, October 28.Firefighters work near the Getty Center in Los Angeles on Monday, October 28. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaFirefighters work near the Getty Center in Los Angeles on Monday, October 28.Hide Caption 19 of 56Thousands of Los Angeles residents were forced to evacuate their homes because of the Getty Fire.Thousands of Los Angeles residents were forced to evacuate their homes because of the Getty Fire. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaThousands of Los Angeles residents were forced to evacuate their homes because of the Getty Fire.Hide Caption 20 of 56Los Angeles County firefighter Collin Bashara rests near his truck on October 28.Los Angeles County firefighter Collin Bashara rests near his truck on October 28. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaLos Angeles County firefighter Collin Bashara rests near his truck on October 28.Hide Caption 21 of 56Smoke from the Kincade Fire hangs over Healdsburg as farm animals graze in a pasture on October 28.Smoke from the Kincade Fire hangs over Healdsburg as farm animals graze in a pasture on October 28. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaSmoke from the Kincade Fire hangs over Healdsburg as farm animals graze in a pasture on October 28.Hide Caption 22 of 56A man walks past a burning home in Los Angeles on October 28.A man walks past a burning home in Los Angeles on October 28. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaA man walks past a burning home in Los Angeles on October 28.Hide Caption 23 of 56Fire crews walk along a blackened ridge as they battle the Getty Fire in Los Angeles.Fire crews walk along a blackened ridge as they battle the Getty Fire in Los Angeles. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaFire crews walk along a blackened ridge as they battle the Getty Fire in Los Angeles.Hide Caption 24 of 56Firefighters battling the Kincade Fire spray water at a home in Windsor on Sunday, October 27.Firefighters battling the Kincade Fire spray water at a home in Windsor on Sunday, October 27. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaFirefighters battling the Kincade Fire spray water at a home in Windsor on Sunday, October 27.Hide Caption 25 of 56Firefighters burn fuel around a home in Windsor in an effort to save it from the Kincade Fire.Firefighters burn fuel around a home in Windsor in an effort to save it from the Kincade Fire. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaFirefighters burn fuel around a home in Windsor in an effort to save it from the Kincade Fire.Hide Caption 26 of 56Dr. Emily Putt, a veterinarian who helps rescue horses from fire zones, comforts a horse as the Kincade Fire burns in Healdsburg on October 27.Dr. Emily Putt, a veterinarian who helps rescue horses from fire zones, comforts a horse as the Kincade Fire burns in Healdsburg on October 27. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaDr. Emily Putt, a veterinarian who helps rescue horses from fire zones, comforts a horse as the Kincade Fire burns in Healdsburg on October 27.Hide Caption 27 of 56A firefighter passes a burning home as the Kincade Fire rages in Healdsburg on October 27.A firefighter passes a burning home as the Kincade Fire rages in Healdsburg on October 27. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaA firefighter passes a burning home as the Kincade Fire rages in Healdsburg on October 27.Hide Caption 28 of 56Vines smolder in a cloud of smoke in Healdsburg.Vines smolder in a cloud of smoke in Healdsburg. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaVines smolder in a cloud of smoke in Healdsburg.Hide Caption 29 of 56Flames from the Kincade Fire consume a home in Healdsburg.Flames from the Kincade Fire consume a home in Healdsburg. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaFlames from the Kincade Fire consume a home in Healdsburg.Hide Caption 30 of 56A team of firefighters put out a smoldering vine in Healdsburg.A team of firefighters put out a smoldering vine in Healdsburg. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaA team of firefighters put out a smoldering vine in Healdsburg.Hide Caption 31 of 56The Soda Rock Winery burns in the Kincade Fire.The Soda Rock Winery burns in the Kincade Fire. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaThe Soda Rock Winery burns in the Kincade Fire.Hide Caption 32 of 56Firefighters from the Dry Creek Rancheria remove an American flag in Healdsburg.Firefighters from the Dry Creek Rancheria remove an American flag in Healdsburg. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaFirefighters from the Dry Creek Rancheria remove an American flag in Healdsburg.Hide Caption 33 of 56A firefighter watches over a structure as the Kincade Fire threatens Chalk Hill Road in Healdsburg.A firefighter watches over a structure as the Kincade Fire threatens Chalk Hill Road in Healdsburg. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaA firefighter watches over a structure as the Kincade Fire threatens Chalk Hill Road in Healdsburg.Hide Caption 34 of 56A firefighter sets a backfire along a hillside in Healdsburg on Saturday, October 26.A firefighter sets a backfire along a hillside in Healdsburg on Saturday, October 26. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaA firefighter sets a backfire along a hillside in Healdsburg on Saturday, October 26.Hide Caption 35 of 56A line of fire snakes along a hillside as firefighters light backfires to slow the spread of the Kincade Fire near Geyserville, California, on October 26.A line of fire snakes along a hillside as firefighters light backfires to slow the spread of the Kincade Fire near Geyserville, California, on October 26. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaA line of fire snakes along a hillside as firefighters light backfires to slow the spread of the Kincade Fire near Geyserville, California, on October 26.Hide Caption 36 of 56Sodhi Singh closes up his Chevron station shortly after losing power in Healdsburg on October 26. In an attempt to avoid any more catastrophic wildfires, Pacific Gas & Electric began shutting down the power to about 940,000 customers, citing a historic wind event in northern and central parts of the state.Sodhi Singh closes up his Chevron station shortly after losing power in Healdsburg on October 26. In an attempt to avoid any more catastrophic wildfires, Pacific Gas & Electric began shutting down the power to about 940,000 customers, citing a historic wind event in northern and central parts of the state. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaSodhi Singh closes up his Chevron station shortly after losing power in Healdsburg on October 26. In an attempt to avoid any more catastrophic wildfires, Pacific Gas & Electric began shutting down the power to about 940,000 customers, citing a historic wind event in northern and central parts of the state.Hide Caption 37 of 56A backfire set by firefighters burns along a hillside in Healdsburg.A backfire set by firefighters burns along a hillside in Healdsburg. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaA backfire set by firefighters burns along a hillside in Healdsburg.Hide Caption 38 of 56Sandy Beddow evacuates Healdsburg with her dog.Sandy Beddow evacuates Healdsburg with her dog. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaSandy Beddow evacuates Healdsburg with her dog.Hide Caption 39 of 56Firefighters set a backfire along a hillside in Healdsburg.Firefighters set a backfire along a hillside in Healdsburg. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaFirefighters set a backfire along a hillside in Healdsburg.Hide Caption 40 of 56Firefighters hose down a burning house in Agua Dulce, California, on Friday, October 25. It was affected by the Tick Fire, which broke out near Santa Clarita.Firefighters hose down a burning house in Agua Dulce, California, on Friday, October 25. It was affected by the Tick Fire, which broke out near Santa Clarita. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaFirefighters hose down a burning house in Agua Dulce, California, on Friday, October 25. It was affected by the Tick Fire, which broke out near Santa Clarita.Hide Caption 41 of 56Orange County firefighters put out remaining hot spots from a brush fire in San Clemente, California, on October 25.Orange County firefighters put out remaining hot spots from a brush fire in San Clemente, California, on October 25. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaOrange County firefighters put out remaining hot spots from a brush fire in San Clemente, California, on October 25.Hide Caption 42 of 56A firefighting aircraft intervenes over Sonoma County, California, where the Kincade Fire was burning on October 25.A firefighting aircraft intervenes over Sonoma County, California, where the Kincade Fire was burning on October 25. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaA firefighting aircraft intervenes over Sonoma County, California, where the Kincade Fire was burning on October 25.Hide Caption 43 of 56A firefighter sprays water on a burning home in Sonoma County on Thursday, October 24. A firefighter sprays water on a burning home in Sonoma County on Thursday, October 24. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaA firefighter sprays water on a burning home in Sonoma County on Thursday, October 24. Hide Caption 44 of 56A Los Angeles County firefighter monitors the area as the Tick Fire burns near homes in Canyon Country on October 24.A Los Angeles County firefighter monitors the area as the Tick Fire burns near homes in Canyon Country on October 24. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaA Los Angeles County firefighter monitors the area as the Tick Fire burns near homes in Canyon Country on October 24.Hide Caption 45 of 56The Kincade Fire burns in the Jimtown community of Sonoma County on October 24.The Kincade Fire burns in the Jimtown community of Sonoma County on October 24. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaThe Kincade Fire burns in the Jimtown community of Sonoma County on October 24.Hide Caption 46 of 56A firefighter works the scene of a burned-out home in Santa Clarita on October 24.A firefighter works the scene of a burned-out home in Santa Clarita on October 24. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaA firefighter works the scene of a burned-out home in Santa Clarita on October 24.Hide Caption 47 of 56Brandon Mani covers his face from the smoke as he walks along Highway 14 in Santa Clarita.Brandon Mani covers his face from the smoke as he walks along Highway 14 in Santa Clarita. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaBrandon Mani covers his face from the smoke as he walks along Highway 14 in Santa Clarita.Hide Caption 48 of 56A helicopter passes a smoke plume on October 24. A helicopter passes a smoke plume on October 24. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaA helicopter passes a smoke plume on October 24. Hide Caption 49 of 56A structure continues to burn after the Kincade Fire moved through Geyserville on October 24.A structure continues to burn after the Kincade Fire moved through Geyserville on October 24. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaA structure continues to burn after the Kincade Fire moved through Geyserville on October 24.Hide Caption 50 of 56Geyserville, about 80 miles north of San Francisco, is among the communities under mandatory evacuation order. Geyserville, about 80 miles north of San Francisco, is among the communities under mandatory evacuation order. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaGeyserville, about 80 miles north of San Francisco, is among the communities under mandatory evacuation order. Hide Caption 51 of 56Two firefighters discuss a plan while battling the wildfire in Geyserville.Two firefighters discuss a plan while battling the wildfire in Geyserville. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaTwo firefighters discuss a plan while battling the wildfire in Geyserville.Hide Caption 52 of 56The sun rises above a smoke-filled valley in Geyserville on October 24.The sun rises above a smoke-filled valley in Geyserville on October 24. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaThe sun rises above a smoke-filled valley in Geyserville on October 24.Hide Caption 53 of 56A fire whirl whips across dry brush as the Kincade Fire spreads through Sonoma County on October 24.A fire whirl whips across dry brush as the Kincade Fire spreads through Sonoma County on October 24. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaA fire whirl whips across dry brush as the Kincade Fire spreads through Sonoma County on October 24.Hide Caption 54 of 56Trees burn as the fire engulfs a hillside in Geyserville.Trees burn as the fire engulfs a hillside in Geyserville. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaTrees burn as the fire engulfs a hillside in Geyserville.Hide Caption 55 of 56Embers fly across a roadway in Jimtown on October 24.Embers fly across a roadway in Jimtown on October 24. Photos: Wildfires scorch CaliforniaEmbers fly across a roadway in Jimtown on October 24.Hide Caption 56 of 5606 cali fires 110101 cali fires 110106 california fires 110102 cali fires 110105 cali fires 110103 cali fires 103101 cali fires 103104 cali fires 103102 cali fires 1031reagan library fire 1030 RESTRICTED02 cali fire 103006 california fires 103008 california fires 103009 california fires 103007 california fires 1030 RESTRICTED01 kincade fire 102901 cali fires 102904 cali fires 102904 ca wildfire getty fire 1028 RESTRICTED05 ca wildfire getty fire 1028 RESTRICTED04 ca wildfire getty fire 102802 ca wildfires kincade fire 102801 ca wildfire getty fire 102803 ca wildfires getty fire 102807 cali fires 102705 cali fire 103001 wild fire evacuee 102701 calif fires 102702 calif fires 102703 calif fires 102704 calif fires 102705 calif fires 102706 calif fires 102707 calif fires 102701 calif fires 102602 calif fires 102603 calif fires 102604 calif fires 102605 calif fires 102606 calif fires 102603 ca wildfires 102502 ca wildfires RESTRICTED01 ca wildfires 1025 RESTRICTED01 california fires 102402 california fires 102416 kincade fire 102404 california fires 102405 california fires 102414 kincade fire 102401 Kincade fire 102402 Kincade fire 102403 Kincade fire 102404 Kincade fire 102409 Kincade fire 102410 Kincade fire 102411 Kincade fire 1024The Kincade Fire resulted in the largest evacuation in Sonoma County history, which included the towns of Healdsburg, Windsor and Geyserville. It torched more than 5,000 acres within the first three hours.Read MoreA hearing in the latest case is scheduled for April 20 in Sonoma County.Tuesday’s filing comes after interviews with dozens of witnesses, the issuing of search warrants, a review of hundreds of thousands of pages of documents and consultation with law enforcement and regulatory agencies, as well as independent experts, the District Attorney’s Office said. “I went with others from my team, along with CalFire, to the location in the Geysers where we believe the fire began as soon as it was safe to do so,” Ravitch said in a statement. “Since that time, we have been working with CalFire and independent experts to determine the cause of and responsibility for the Kincade fire. I believe this criminal complaint reflects our findings.”PG&E is asking customers frustrated by power shutoffs not to target its employees PG&E is asking customers frustrated by power shutoffs not to target its employees PG&E is asking customers frustrated by power shutoffs not to target its employees “In the spirit of working to do what’s right for the victims, we will accept CAL FIRE’s finding that a PG&E transmission line caused the fire, even though we have not had access to the agency’s report or the evidence it gathered,” a PG&E spokesperson told CNN in an email. However, the utility does not believe it committed any crimes.”We remain committed to making it right for all those impacted and working to further reduce wildfire risk on our system,” PG&E said. PG&E will “work around the clock until that is true for all people we are privileged to serve,” CEO Patti Poppe said in a statement disputing the criminal charges. The Kincade Fire started on October 23, 2019, and was active for just over two weeks, according to the Cal Fire incident report. Tinder, dry vegetation and strong winds, as well as lo w humidity and warm temperatures, helped contribute to rapid fire spread, according to the Cal Fire investigation. Fourteen fires burned across the state that fall, leaving firefighters to battle blazes nonstop as millions of people and homes were threatened. The Kincade Fire was the biggest among them, incinerating parts of the wine country in Sonoma County.

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https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/07/us/pge-kincade-fire-criminal-charges/index.html

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