Pacific Power Preparing For The Wildfire Season Ahead

Pacific Power is ready for wildfire season.  Simon Gutierrez said they've installed equipment that can be set to quickly de-energize a line if a limb or tree falls on it.  They can also turn off the power if a fire is approaching.

"We'll shutoff the power to prevent any additional issues from happening to our equipment and also to protect first responders."

They can also use Public Safety Power Shutoffs, if forecasters indicate conditions will be extreme.  Their long range forecast shows conditions drying out quickly east of the Cascades, with a lot of fuel.

"The outlook is predicting above normal significant fire potential east of the Cascades beginning in July due to large amounts of carryover fine fuels and brush from previous years, and an early onset of warm and dry weather."

The trend, he noted, shows a chance of fewer thunderstorms.  A normal start to the fire season is expected, despite the warm and dry spring.

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