Andres Montoya built a peaceful life on his five-acre property in San Martin, complete with horses, chickens, goats and the kind of rural calm you can’t put a price on.
But that peace nearly went up in smoke after a fire broke out on his family’s property.
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Montoya claims the blaze was started by a Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) worker who arrived unannounced.
"You know, to lose everything in a moment, in a second for somebody else’s mistake," he told ABC 7 On Your Side Investigates."Out of nowhere, we just heard the loud bam, bam, like somebody was shooting a gun, and my daughter came running, and she said there was a fire."
After days without water and little response from PG&E, Montoya is now left to deal with the aftermath. Here’s what happened and what homeowners should keep in mind.
A routine check
According to Montoya, it all started with a surprise visit. PG&E workers showed up without giving any prior notice. In an email to ABC 7 On Your Side Investigates, the utility confirmed it was on site.
“Under California law and CPUC regulations, PG&E is authorized to access properties where our facilities are located to safely inspect, maintain, and operate them — even without prior permission — though we always aim to provide notice when possible," the company wrote.
Each year, electrical issues cause about 51,000 home fires in the U.S., resulting in up to $1.3 billion in property damage, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International.
In Montoya’s case, the fire was eventually put out, and no one was hurt. But another issue sparked in its aftermath: the family’s water supply stopped working. Their well pump, powered by electricity, died and took a full week to repair.
PG&E returned to the property earlier this week to investigate. But Montoya and his sister-in-law say the utility company wasn’t taking responsibility.
In a video recorded by the family, an unidentified PG&E representative can be heard saying, "We’re not saying you did it, but we’re trying to figure out what happened.".
Yoania Castro, Montoya’s sister-in-law, said the timeline speaks for itself. Before PG&E arrived, she said, they had water and electricity. Since then, they’ve been relying on neighbors to supply water for their family and animals.
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Caught in the crossfire
This isn’t the first time PG&E has been at the center of a firestorm. Since 2017, the utility has been linked to more than 30 wildfires across California, destroying over 23,000 homes and businesses. It has faced mounting scrutiny and billions in liabilities for its role in some of the state’s most devastating fires.
So when Montoya’s family struggled to get answers, they turned to 7 On Your Side Investigates. After the news team reached out to the utility, a PG&E spokesperson confirmed they’re now working with the family to provide updates and support during the investigation.
Still, the situation remains frustrating. A major source of confusion is the electrical post that caught fire. PG&E initially said it wasn’t theirs, even though a plaque on the pole read, “Pacific Gas and Electric tested.” The utility later clarified that the post is customer-owned, but PG&E equipment is attached to it.
If a utility worker causes damage to your property, start documenting everything right away. Take photos and video, write down what happened and when, and file reports with the utility, your insurance provider and local authorities. You may also want to consult a property damage lawyer to help sort out liability. And if the situation escalates, don’t hesitate to contact local media. As Montoya’s family learned, public pressure can help move things forward.
For now, the family is left holding the bill.
"We have this $10,000 bill, and we’re going to be responsible for it if they don’t help us," Montoya said.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
