Fresno-area TV stations lost power amid Creek Fire. Here’s how they stayed on air

The transmitter that broadcasts Fresno-area channels KSEE24 and CBS47 lost power on Monday as the Creek Fire approached Meadow Lakes, according to KSEE general manager J.R. Jackson, but programming will not be affected.

For over-the-air viewers, the NBC station has moved to channel 26.6, and the CBS station has moved to 18.4, thanks to help from local channels ValleyPBS and KMPH. General managers from each station moved the stations’ signals to digital channels.

”Cal Fire permitted KSEE-KGPE and KFSN television to refuel the stations’ transmitter sites this morning. Over-the-air signals were briefly down on KSEE and KGPE this morning but are restored and running through generator TFN based on current conditions,” the stations said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.

Backup signals on KMPH 26.6 for KSEE-TV and ValleyPBS 18.4 for KGE-TV “are still in place and ready if needed,” they said.

Comcast and AT&T customers were unaffected because they don’t depend on the transmitter.

Jackson said it’s unclear if the power was lost or PG&E turned off power to the area. But the fire was not responsible for the interruption.

“Right now, it isn’t in imminent danger because we’ve had people out there, it’s not surrounded by flames,” Jackson said. “But that could change in five minutes.”

Creek Fire at Meadow Lakes

Meadow Lakes is home to most Fresno-area TV and radio transmitters, including ABC30, Univision 21, NBC 24, CBS 47, Telemundo 51, and radio stations KVPR, KMJ, KFCF, La Buena 105.1, KSKS, and KFMO.

Several scenarios worry local station owners as the fire lingers near the area. Flames might damage the buildings, collapse the antenna and the tower, or burn the coax, the 1,000-watt cable that runs 200 feet high to the antenna. Gary Cocola, the owner of Cocola Broadcasting Companies, told The Bee the power could also go out, and fires could damage the backup generators.

In the case of KSEE24 and CBS47, Jackson said they have been using a generator since Monday because they lost power.

KSEE and KGPE are working with DISH and Direct-TV to ensure the temporary transition is seamless for subscribers.

“It really shows our community is about the greater good and safety of its residents, and we’re proud to continue to be a part of that,” Jackson said.

This story was originally published September 9, 2020 at 11:38 AM with the headline "Fresno-area TV stations lost power amid Creek Fire. Here’s how they stayed on air."