SPOKANE, Wash. — A coalition of Spokane community leaders plan to hold a meeting sharing details of updated wildfire resiliency plans and new strategies for the 2024 wildfire season on Tuesday.
Avista announced that if extreme weather and fire inducing conditions occur, they may turn power off in specific locations to help reduce chances of wildfires.
This comes after the DNR released that the gray fire that burned more than 1,000 acres in Spokane was
Representatives from Avista, the Cheney Fire Department and the Idaho Department of Lands alongside Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown will spoke about the ideas on Tuesday morning.
“Based on learning from other utilities who have implemented PSPS, it would only be used in the most extreme weather conditions,” said Heather Rosentrater, Avista President and COO.
Avista reported that for over 20 years they have made temporary changes to power line operations during times of extreme weather and this all part of their Fire Safety Mode.
Building on the already in place safety protocols, city officials are applauding their efforts in making the necessary changes to prevent these fires.
“We applaud Avista’s proactive approach to mitigating fire risk,” said Tom Jenkins, Cheney Fire Chief and Chair of the Inland Empire Fire Chiefs Association. “By prioritizing safety and preparedness, they have demonstrated a commendable commitment to protecting our communities.”
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