Liberty Utilities has announced the promotion of Eliot Jones from manager, vegetation management to senior manager, wildfire prevention — a new department in response to the need for a dedicated wildfire mitigation team.

According to a news release, Jones, who has been with the utility since 2014, will oversee Liberty Utilities’ wildfire prevention and vegetation management departments, which have grown following the catastrophic Camp, Tubbs, and Woolsey fires.

“Eliot has done a tremendous job directing the vegetation management division, which is the first pillar of our wildfire mitigation efforts,” said Liberty Utilities Vice President of Operations Travis Johnson. “Wildfires have become a serious threat in California, and this newly created department reflects Liberty Utilities’ unwavering commitment to provide safe and reliable electric service to our communities. It’s a critically important role, and Eliot’s experience and knowledge are the perfect combination to lead this new department.”

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Liberty Utilities provides electric service to multiple communities in Alpine, El Dorado, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Plumas and Sierra counties, all of which have been designated either “High” or “Very High” Fire Hazard Severity Zones by California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).

“The safety of our customers is our top priority, and we believe the creation of this new department is a step in the right direction to safeguard our communities,” the release states. The Wildfire Prevention Department will oversee wildfire mitigation planning and implementation, including collaboration with local fire officials, other utilities, regional partners and the public.

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Additionally, the department will monitor weather and forecasts to determine the need of a Public Safety Power Shutoff, a de-energization of the electric grid when and where extreme weather conditions present a heightened wildfire risk.

For additional information about Liberty Utilities or our wildfire mitigation efforts, customers are asked to visit LibertyUtilities.com/wildfiresafety/ or call 1-800-782-2506.