Understanding the Fire Potential Index (FPI) and Patriot General Engineering’s Commitment to Wildfire Safety
At Patriot General Engineering, safety is more than a standard—it’s a core value that guides every aspect of our work, especially during Southern California’s high fire-risk seasons. One of the most vital tools we use to manage wildfire risk is the San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) Fire Potential Index (FPI)—a scientifically developed system designed to assess and forecast the daily threat of wildfire.
What is the Fire Potential Index (FPI)?
The Fire Potential Index was designed by a specialized team of SDG&E meteorologists, fire safety coordinators, and data analysts. By reconstructing and analyzing data from the past decade, this team verified that the FPI closely aligns with actual fire incidents—particularly those that were severe or occurred during the winter months. This validation process demonstrated that the FPI can reliably predict days when conditions are ripe for large-scale or uncontrolled fires.
The ultimate goal behind the FPI is to connect measurable fire risk with specific operational practices. SDG&E uses this index to guide both preventative and responsive actions, reducing the potential for its infrastructure to inadvertently spark a fire when conditions are especially hazardous.
You can view the live FPI index at fpi.sdgeweather.com or through the SDG&E Weather App, available on both iOS and Android devices.
How Patriot General Engineering Uses the FPI
At Patriot General Engineering, we take wildfire risk seriously, especially in the rural and high-fire-threat zones where many of our crews operate. Our dedicated Fire Crew, along with field operations teams, use the daily FPI ratings to guide our approach to on-site safety.
Here’s how we implement the FPI in our daily operations:
Daily Planning: Supervisors begin each day reviewing the FPI and weather forecasts. If the index shows elevated or extreme fire danger, we adjust our work plans accordingly.
Worksite Readiness: On high-risk days, our Fire Crew is deployed on-site with water tanks, fire suppression tools, and ready-access communication to local fire agencies. This ensures we can respond immediately if conditions change or a fire starts nearby.
Operational Adjustments: During periods of elevated FPI, certain activities—such as hot work, grinding, or use of internal combustion engines—may be limited, rescheduled, or require additional fire watch personnel and precautions.
Crew Awareness: Our teams receive regular training on how to interpret the FPI and respond to changing fire conditions. This education ensures that every crew member understands their role in preventing fire starts and ensuring safety.
Our Continued Commitment to Wildfire Mitigation
As fire seasons grow longer and more intense, Patriot General Engineering remains proactive in reducing wildfire risk. The FPI is a powerful resource, and by following its guidelines, we’re able to make informed, responsible decisions that protect our workers, our communities, and California’s natural landscapes.
For real-time fire risk updates, we encourage everyone to stay informed by visiting https://fpi.sdgeweather.com or downloading the SDG&E Weather App to your device at the Apple Store or Android Store.
Together, through education, preparation, and vigilant field practices, we can help reduce the risk of wildfires and contribute to a safer future for all.
Stay safe and vigilant, San Diego!
Patriot General prioritizes safety above all else, implementing rigorous protocols and training to ensure the well-being of all personnel and the protection of construction sites from potential hazards.
