California wildfires - communications status

[Sean Donelan <sean () donelan com>]

There have been many large wildfires in western states for the last couple 
of months, but most have been in less populated areas. Several folks have 
asked about cell phone problems because of the fires in California.

Sonoma and Napa county sheriff departments are reporting widespread power 
outages, and spotty cell phone service in those counties.  No specifics 
about how many cell towers are impacted.

Landlines seem to be less affected.

Comcast has announced open access to its WiFi access points in Napa and 
Sonoma county.