Residents may see and hear low-flying drones and helicopters over local neighborhoods in the coming weeks as Southern California Edison (SCE) conducts aerial inspections of electrical equipment as part of its wildfire prevention and mitigation program, the City of Santa Barbara announced.
Inspection crews will examine poles and towers from top-down and side angles not possible from the ground to spot wear, damage, or other potential hazards that may require prompt repair.
Activity is expected to be brief and localized, with each inspection typically lasting 30 to 60 minutes per pole or tower. Crews will work to minimize disruption, the city said…