More on steps to prevent power lines from starting fires:

Facing Blame for Fires, Utility Plans 24/7 Prediction and Response Center in California

Apparently the utilities do, in some cases, shut off power to whole towns to prevent wildfires:

PG&E may shut off power lines to prevent fires in this weekend’s wind storm
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"Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas any more."
-Dorothy, in The Wizard of Oz