(Bloomberg) — California utility PG&E Corp. has begun cutting power to reduce the risk of the company’s equipment starting wildfires in gusty winds and dry conditions.

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PG&E said it shut off power to 5,450 homes and businesses in four counties north of Sacramento, according to a statement. The utility said about 20,000 customers in 24 counties, including several in the San Francisco Bay Area, could also lose power as a result of the intentional shutdowns.

Southern California Edison, the largest utility in the southern part of the state, said it is considering shutting off power to about 127,000 homes and businesses in the Los Angeles area for safety reasons.

Dry winds began blowing across California on Thursday, warming and drying out as they rolled over the mountains toward the coast. The conditions increase the risk of wildfires that could burn out of control. The National Weather Service has increased red flag fire warnings in valleys from near Sacramento to the San Francisco Bay Area and in the state’s wine country. These warnings have been extended to Southern California as Santa Ana winds develop in the region.

– With assistance from Brian K. Sullivan.

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