PACIFIC POWER WORKING TO RESTORE SERVICE, ASSIST EMERGENCY RESPONDERS AND PREPARE COMMUNITIES FOR RECOVERY
News Release from Pacific Power
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pacific Power working to restore service, assist emergency responders and prepare communities for recovery
PORTLAND, Ore. — Pacific Power crews continue to work closely with emergency responders inspecting damage and restoring service to customers across a wide region of Oregon still being devastated by historically severe wind-fueled wildfires.
As of 8 p.m. Wednesday, approximately 17,000 Oregon Pacific Power customers were without power due to the windstorm and ensuing wildfires that hit the state beginning Sept. 7. That figure is down from 60,000 customers out during the peak on Sept. 7. About 11,000 of the customers without service are out because Pacific Power turned off electricity to several lines in Jackson County at the request of local emergency agencies to allow firefighters to do their jobs safely.
“We are here to support our communities and customers during this historic event in our state,” said Scott Bolton, senior vice president of external affairs and customer solutions. “Our priority is to assure the safety of people on the ground and protect the power grid from damage. We know the days ahead will be challenging for many Oregonians and we stand ready to help our communities both now and as we rebuild in the coming weeks and months.”
Pacific Power is working together with local emergency authorities to ensure safety, assess outages and support efforts during these early and very active stages of the wildfires in Oregon. Information will be shared as it becomes available. Pacific Power is aware of unconfirmed reports that fires have been started by electrical equipment, however, until crews have greater access to the regions affected, this information cannot be verified.
The latest list of communities hardest hit by power outages includes:
Jackson and Josephine Counties: 12,000 customers out
Lincoln County: 2,500 customers out
Marion and Linn Counties 900 customers out
Pacific Power is encouraging all customers to be prepared for prolonged power outages by having on hand adequate food, water and back-up batteries. Forecasts indicate high winds will subside Thursday and restoration will accelerate where possible. In many instances, Pacific Power crews need to stay clear of fire-ravaged areas until given permission by local firefighting authorities.
Additional crews and line personnel have been deployed and are assisting in outage restoration efforts. Customer care agents are also on the job to answer your inquiries.
Pacific Power urges customers and all residents to keep themselves informed of local alerts and follow guidance from emergency officials.
Shelter Information
Pacific Power is assisting with evacuations under the direction of local authorities, engaging with the Red Cross, and will provide additional support to emergency services as needs become clear. Pacific Power stands with our communities during this challenging time. Support is available for those in wildfire affected areas at the following community shelter locations:
Oregon
Josephine County Fairgrounds – 1451 Fairgrounds Rd, Grants Pass
Jackson County Expo – 1 Peninger Rd, Central Point
Oregon State Fairgrounds – 2330 17th St. NE, Salem
Klamath County Fair Grounds – 3531 S 6th St, Klamath Falls
Kla-Mo-Ya Casino – 34333 US-97, Chiloquin
Linn County Fairgrounds – 3700 Knox Butte Rd E, Albany
Benton County Fairgrounds – 110 SW 53rd St, Corvallis
Deschutes County Fairgrounds – 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond
Douglas County Fairgrounds – 2110 Frear St., Roseburg
Polk County Fairgrounds – 520 S Pacific Hwy W, Rickreall
Newport Recreation Center – 225 SE Avery St, Newport
Northern California:
Kahtishraam Wellness Center – 1403 Kahtishraam, Yreka
Siskiyou County Fairgrounds (taking large animals) – 1712 Fairlane Rd, Yreka