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Energy

Energy saving projects for the weekend warrior

Safety

Safety tips to prevent wildfires

Events

Inland Power’s Poletop Rescue Competition

Normally, when a foreign object such as a tree limb makes contact with our power lines, we have devices which detect a short circuit condition, interrupt power momentarily and then attempt to automatically restore power. If the foreign object has cleared out of the way, power remains online with only a brief service disruption. When operating in fire safety mode, this automatic restoral of power functionality is disabled (non-reclosal) in areas with elevated wildfire risk. This means that any service disruptions that would have normally been momentary are instead sustained and require manual inspection and restoral. Fire safety mode is presently planned to be activated on June 1, 2023, but may be adjusted based on weather conditions. Once activated, fire safety mode will remain in effect throughout the summer dry season and will be deactivated as burn bans are lifted and cool weather returns.

How can I know if I live in an area of Elevated Wildfire Risk?

Areas with forested lands and moderate to high amounts of human activity are generally associated with elevated wildfire risk. These are predominantly focused in the central and northern portions of our service territory and areas that are near the Little Spokane River natural area outside of city limits.

What can I do to prepare?

If you have a tree on your property that is dead, dying or uprooting that you believe is at risk of falling into overhead power lines, please contact our office to arrange a visit with one of our vegetation management specialists who will evaluate the tree and schedule it for removal if it meets the criteria. Keep vegetation on your property trimmed up and away from underbrush. Remove excess fuel sources near buildings such as brush piles and debris and establish a defensible space boundary around your home to mitigate combustion and assist firefighters with defending your home in the event of wildfire.

Consult with local land management authorities for guidance on wildfire risk mitigation. For example, residents of Spokane County are eligible to get a free Firewise Risk Assessment through the Spokane Conservation District or the National Fire Protection Association at nfpa.org.