PG&E: Power Restoration Begins in Some Areas

UPDATE: The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office says the man who died on Wednesday in Pollock Pines has been identified as 67-year-old Robert Mardis.

They said an autopsy showed the cause of his death was determined to be severe coronary artery atherosclerosis. They said he had a history of COPD as well.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office says the investigation has concluded. 

They said the recent power outages from PG&E was not the cause of death.

Next of kin have been notified.

Original Story: Northern California fire officials say a man dependent on oxygen died about 12 minutes after Pacific Gas and Electric shut down power to the area as part of a massive effort to prevent fire.

El Dorado County Fire Chief Lloyd Ogan said Friday that fire personnel responded to a call in Pollock Pines that came in after 3:30 a.m. Wednesday.

He said crews arrived to find an unresponsive man in his 60s and were unable to revive him.

Ogan said the man's oxygen equipment required power but could not say whether the shutdown was related to his death.

PG&E spokesman Jeff Smith said it has not been able to confirm the accuracy of the report.

The utility started turning off electricity early Wednesday in Northern and Central California in advance of strong, dry winds. (AP)