The Importance of Wildfire Mitigation

Wildfires pose significant risks to communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure. Due to their rising frequency and intensity, wildfire mitigation has become increasingly critical. Within the Central Lincoln service territory, we are experiencing warmer and drier summers, leaving parched vegetation, which increases the risk of a wildfire occurring even in coastal areas. Central Lincoln is dedicated to your safety and takes every possible measure to mitigate these risks.

According to the nonprofit fire prevention organization Keep Oregon Green, most fires in Oregon originate from unattended backyard burn piles and campfires. However, we understand our customers' concern and take very seriously that electric utility equipment-like transmission and power lines-can be a source of ignition.

With that in mind, we take proactive measures to design, construct, operate, and maintain our electrical lines and equipment in a manner that significantly reduces the risk of wildfire ignition.

Across our 700 square mile service territory, including a 120-mile stretch of the central Oregon coast, we have over 1,500 miles of energized wire, most of which is in heavy vegetation. In recent years, we've ramped up our tree and vegetation trimming efforts by increasing the number of crews to clear vegetation from our wires, poles, and equipment. We've also implemented advanced technology that enhances system monitoring and remote control during high-fire-risk days. These proactive measures are part of our ongoing commitment to wildfire mitigation.

In addition, our wildfire mitigation plan includes steps to proactively shut off power to specific service area sections in extreme weather conditions. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff, or PSPS. In a PSPS event, customers will receive as much advanced notice as possible through automated phone calls, emails, and posts on our website and social media. We must have your current phone number and email address to ensure you receive these notifications. Please update your information through your SmartHub account or by calling (877) 265-3211.

Central Lincoln will continue to update and improve its wildfire mitigation strategies to help safeguard our communities while maintaining a reliable and resilient power infrastructure. Learn more about our vegetation mitigation efforts on our website.