Overview

• At least 13 birds have died violently on power lines in Richmond, California, with residents documenting the incidents over the past several months.
• Home security footage captured birds exploding upon contact with the lines, accompanied by loud popping sounds described as similar to firecrackers.
• Residents suspect missing protective insulators on PG&E power lines may be causing the electrocutions and have filed complaints with PG&E and local authorities.
• PG&E has acknowledged the reports and launched an investigation but has yet to conduct substantive inspections, according to residents.
• Community members fear the issue could escalate into a wildfire hazard as summer approaches and have posted warnings urging others to document further incidents.