Wildfire Mitigation Settings
During elevated fire risk, Chelan PUD makes temporary changes to powerlines operations to prevent fires. If a hazard is detected on a powerline, wildfire mitigation settings quickly turn off power. That may result in more short term outages during fire season.
Here’s how wildfire mitigation settings work:
- A wildfire hazard is detected
- Power shuts off to prevent an ignition
- Crews patrol, repair damage and restore power
- We identify improvements to prevent similar hazards.
These changes are part of the PUD’s Wildfire Mitigation Program, and they are consistent with industry best practices. Chelan PUD’s goal is to balance electrical reliability and the safety of our workers, the public, and the communities we serve.
Here are the areas where we use wildfire mitigation settings to reduce fire risk:
- Lake Wenatchee
- Plain
- Coles Corner
- Upper Chumstick Hwy. (Leavenworth)
- Colockum (Malaga)
- Antoine Creek and Howard Flats (Chelan)
- Upper Blewett Pass
What’s being done to reduce the likelihood of outages?
• Preventing hazards: Chelan PUD is adding animal guards to prevent animal-caused outages. We work year-round to remove trees or branches growing too close to powerlines.
• We're reducing the size of outages by placing devices on powerlines that divide the service area into smaller sections.
• Smart systems: Chelan PUD has installed equipment that automatically adjusts wildfire mitigation settings based on current weather conditions.
• Faster patrols: Flashing amber lights help crews patrol powerlines more efficiently.
• Undergrounding: Over half of Chelan PUD's distribution lines are already underground. In areas identified as high fire risk, Chelan PUD may convert overhead lines to underground where it's feasible to do so. These projects are complex, expensive and will take time to complete.
What can you do?