An estimated 2 million residents are facing power outages in northern California this week after the states largest utility company began cutting off service in a bid to reduce the risk of wildfires , all while igniting public fury.

Utility giant Pacific Gas & Electric Company said roughly 800,000 customers in 34 counties should expect to be without power for up to five days amid forecasted strong winds and dry weather that have increased the risk of fire from downed lines and transformers.

The blackout has been described as the largest preventative shutdown in the states history, the Sacramento Bee reported.