June 18, 2026 10:30 a.m. 

With dry conditions across the Pacific Northwest, a release from Pacific Power said the utility is preparing its system to reduce wildfire risk.

A large portion of Oregon has seen a drier than normal rainy season, and the state’s governor warned in May that Oregon is at serious risk for a challenging wildfire season.

Outlooks from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center and the National Interagency Fire Center support the Governor’s warning, indicating a warmer and drier that normal summer, paired with increasing drought in many areas.

The release said as part of Pacific Power’s ongoing wildfire prevention efforts, the company is taking steps to protect the customers and communities. These include enhanced safety settings and protective equipment designed to automatically shut off power when lines come into contact with debris, wildlife or strong winds.

During periods of extreme risk, the company may also temporarily de-energize powerlines to reduce the likelihood of ignition or help the spread of active fires. These measures may lead to longer or more frequent outages for customers in some high-risk areas.

Pacific Power monitors weather and wildfire conditions using more than 350 weather stations and advanced tools that track changing conditions and help guide operational decisions across its service territory.

The company’s wildfire mitigation efforts have received national recognition. A 2024 Stanford University study found PacifiCorp’s programs meet the highest standards in multiple states, reflecting a strong commitment to reducing wildfire risk and strengthening system resilience.

More information is available at: https://www.pacificpower.net/