Prepare for Wildfire Season
As we gear up for another wildfire season, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to reducing wildfire risk and ensuring the safety of our communities. At Wasco Electric Cooperative, we take great pride in providing reliable energy to our members and are dedicated to mitigating wildfire threats.
I want to share some of the steps we’re taking to prepare for and prevent wildfires:
- Facility compliance and maintenance. Our facilities are designed and built in compliance with federal standards, including installing protective measures to prevent avian contact. We conduct regular patrols to promptly identify and address any issues, ensuring the proper functioning of our facilities.
- Vegetation management. We have intensified our focus on clearing vegetation from our rights-of-way. Being proactive ensures our crews can access power lines efficiently and reduces the risk of damage to our facilities from trees and brush.
- Environmental monitoring. Our team closely monitors environmental conditions throughout our service territory via various websites. This proactive monitoring allows us to stay informed about potential wildfire risks and take appropriate actions as needed.
While we strive to do our part to prevent wildfires, there may be instances where additional measures are necessary to safeguard our members and communities. In such cases, we may enact a Public Safety Power Shutoff in high-risk areas to prevent wildfires. Please understand this decision is made with careful consideration of public safety. We make every effort to provide advance notice whenever possible.
We also want to remind everyone that wildfire prevention is a collective effort. More than 85% of all wildfires in the United States are caused by human activities, underscoring the importance of individual responsibility in fire prevention. We urge you to be cautious when working with burning debris or equipment that can produce sparks, especially in windy conditions. Ensure that all campfires are fully extinguished, and dispose of cigarettes responsibly to prevent wildfires.
As we embrace the beauty of the Pacific Northwest this summer, it’s essential to stay vigilant and prepared. In the event of a wildfire in your area, prioritize your safety by promptly and safely evacuating the affected area.
Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to wildfire preparedness and prevention. Together, we can protect our communities and preserve the natural beauty of our region.
General Manager
Lindsay Forepaugh