Avista Utilities announced on Tuesday that with the onset of summer-like conditions and increasing wildfire danger in the region, it has moved to what it calls “Fire Safety Mode,” which will lead to temporary changes to its power line operations.

The utility has done this for two decades, but it has renewed importance following the devastating Gray and Oregon Road fires , which destroyed a combined 366 homes and 710 structures on August 18, 2023. Together, those blazes were the most destructive in state history .

“Wildfire preparedness is not just a seasonal effort – it’s a year-round responsibility,” Avista CEO Heather Rosentrater said in a news release. “We’ve invested in infrastructure, technology, and operational practices that help us respond to changing conditions and protect

See Full Page