NORTH COAST, Calif. – Just like last week, PG&E this week is continuing to use a helicopter to patrol electric lines in Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake counties this week and over the next several weeks as part of vegetation and safety work.

On alternating days, a Bell 407 or a Bell 206L3 Long Ranger will leave the Ukiah Municipal Airport or the Charles Schulz Sonoma County Airport around 8 a.m. and fly through 4 p.m.

Foresters will fly low but still within FAA regulations when it comes to utility work, in order to look for vegetation near electric lines in high fire-threat areas.

Flights will mostly happen Monday through Friday but depending on weather, foresters may need to fly some Saturdays.

The power lines that will be patrolled over the next seven weeks are in the following areas:

Sonoma County: Kenwood (and Oakmont), Glen Ellen (includes portions of Aqua Caliente and Bennett Valley), Sonoma, Cazadero, Fort Ross and Healdsburg.

Mendocino County: Ukiah, Redwood Valley, Calpella, Potter Valley, Laytonville and Willits.

Lake County: Middletown, Konocti (includes Hobergs, Adam Springs), Upper Lake, Lower Lake, Cobb (includes Anderson Springs, Harbin Springs), Kelseyville (Bottle Rock Road area), Clearlake Oaks and Spring Valley.

This flights are part of PG&E’s Community Wildfire Safety Program, meant to further reduce the risk of trees coming into contact with lines.