BEND, OR -- Pacific Power talked with Central Oregonians Tuesday about steps it’s taking to reduce wildfire risk. 

“When we look at our wildfire mitigation plan, we have basically three prongs that work in unison at the same time. First, we have situational awareness. We've got operational practices. The final one is grid hardening,” the utility's Simon Guiterrez says communication with fire fighting agencies is also key, “Our emergency management folks are always having those conversations with public safety partners, which includes the Forest Service, local fire districts. We have really clear lines of communications at the community level. Local, county, and state forestry divisions, fire divisions, things like that where we plan, and communicate processes and best practices together.”

Under the right weather conditions, they may have to shut down power … so utility lines don’t spark a wildfire.

Meteorologist Chester Lampkin says they’re constantly monitoring, “We're always looking at the conditions that could lead to extreme fire behavior. So, what's really cool about what we're doing in meteorology is we're proud to be that first line of defense.”

He says they forecast potential fire conditions by using past weather data and the latest technology to create models, “Historically, we've seen incredibly large and destructive fires that we've never seen in California history. And now that risk has moved into the Pacific Northwest, into Oregon.” He tells KBND News it is an important task. “Our number one priority is keeping the community safe, keeping the operation of the system safe, keeping our alignment safe and making sure that the community knows we're here 24/7.”

Pacific Power is touring the state to talk about its plan to reduce wildfire risk this summer.

KBND File Photo: Wildland Firefighter 2019