Outage Map
By Brent Ten Pas
In Oregon, wildfire preparedness is critical. Following the devastation in 2023 of 211,810 acres statewide due to wildfires, the threat is more significant than ever.
To effectively combat this threat, federal, state, and local agencies, utilities, the general public, and homeowners must take preventive measures.
Central Electric Cooperative is an integral partner in the efforts to reduce the chance its electric system contributes to a wildfire and ensure the continuous, safe delivery of electricity.
Last year, the United States Forest Service began to expedite the pace and scale to reduce hazardous fuels and restore forest health to reduce wildfire risk to communities and critical infrastructure. As part of the USFS’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy, Central Oregon will receive up to $43.1 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to enable the Deschutes National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland, along with other partners, to treat more than 50,000 acres by year’s end. This includes prescribed burns and forest restoration.
Statewide efforts to bolster wildfire prevention are gaining momentum, with Oregon leading numerous initiatives to safeguard communities and natural resources. The Oregon Department of Forestry—backed by the 2021 legislature— has notably increased its staffing and added firefighting aircraft to improve early wildfire response capabilities.
Prevention is crucial, and it begins before a wildfire ignites. The current climate—marked by hotter and drier conditions across the Western United States— further increases the risk of frequent and severe wildfires, a concern highlighted by the U.S. Geological Survey. With climate change expected to intensify these conditions in our region, there is a need for a comprehensive approach to wildfire prevention, emphasizing the importance of creating defensible spaces around homes, power lines, and community assets.
The general public has a vital role in prevention. Unfortunately, human activity is the predominant cause of wildfires. Arson, open burning, vehicle use, campfires, and fireworks are some factors responsible for more than 80% of wildland fires in the United States. Greater awareness and safer practices by the general public and their communities put them on the front lines to reduce the risk of wildfires.
Homeowners should establish a defensible space with a 10-foot clearance around homes and power lines. Maintaining trees and vegetation is crucial in reducing wildfire spread and protecting properties.
The Oregon Fire Marshal’s defensible space program offers fuel assessments to help property owners identify and mitigate fire hazards. To find out more about this program, visit the Oregon State Fire Marshal website. You can also request a free assessment by calling (503) 934-0874.