Wildfires have taken their toll on broadcast towers about 30 miles east of Fresno, CA at Eshom Point. Only one of four stations affected, KFRR-FM, is back on the air thanks to a lower-power FM transmitter on loan from Lotus Communications. However its tower is still inoperable. Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) crews have not been able to repair the structural damages caused by the fires, citing safety issues to their crews, Inside Radio reported.
“The KNP Complex fire destroyed four radio stations and two towers at Eshom Point, [and] PG&E will not restore power until they deem the area safe,” One Putt Broadcasting President John Ostlund said. “Apparently, the hang-up is the owner of a tower that has partially collapsed and poses a threat to PG&E workers.”
The Sacramento Bee reported that PG&E spokesman Denny Boyles said, “Once we know that it is safe for our crews to work in that area, we will begin the repairs needed to restore electrical service.”
Other towers in the Fresno area destroyed by the wildfires are owned by iHeartMedia, Radio Bilingual and Harvest Broadcasting, according to PG&E, reported Inside Radio.
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