With the arrival of hot, dry summer conditions, preparation is more than a checklist - it’s a coordinated, daily effort. With rising temperatures and dry conditions, wildfire risk is top of mind.
As the summer heat settles into Eastern Oregon and wildfire risk begins to climb, Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) is leaning into its role as a safety partner, taking proactive steps to protect its members, infrastructure, and the communities it serves.
Wildfires are a growing concern across the Pacific Northwest, and UEC understands that a fast, coordinated response can make a critical difference when every second counts. That’s why, during heightened fire danger, UEC activates its internal wildfire protocols, which may include positioning on-call servicemen in strategic locations, coordinating directly with local fire departments, and staging crews should condition warrant. The goal is to support fire crews on the front lines while ensuring public safety and system reliability.
“Wildfire preparation is something we take very seriously,” said UEC’s Manager of Operations, Kevin Knutz. “We are proactive and prepare in advance, so we can respond quickly and safely.”
A key component of UEC’s wildfire strategy is its close partnership with Umatilla County Fire District #1 (UCFD1). This collaboration ensures that communication lines remain open, real-time updates are shared, and both teams have a clear understanding of current conditions, risks, and resource needs during an active fire. When UCFD1 is dispatched to a fire, UEC servicemen are often already in position - stationed nearby to offer support making the area electrically safe and help minimize response times.
In situations where every second counts, this level of coordination can help prevent further damage and enhance safety for fire crews, the public, and UEC’s electric system.
UEC’s proactive approach includes validating weather conditions and placing on-call servicemen on standby during Red Flag Warnings or when wildfire activity is detected in or near the service territory. These crews are trained to move quickly and safely, arriving at predetermined staging areas where they can monitor conditions and stand ready to act.
Depending on the situation, this may involve assessing infrastructure near active fires to ensure safety, inspecting poles for damage after a blaze, or simply being on-site to relay real-time updates to dispatch and fire crews.
“Members may see our trucks out in the area during a wildfire and wonder what we’re doing,” said Knutz. “We want the public to know that we’re not just monitoring the fire – our crews are there to make sure electricity isn’t adding risk to an already dangerous situation.”
UEC’s standby crews also help ensure the cooperative can restore service as quickly and safely as possible once conditions allow. After the immediate danger passes, crews often remain on-site to inspect equipment, replace damaged infrastructure, and get members reconnected. In addition to boots-on-the-ground efforts, UEC is committed to long-term wildfire mitigation and system resilience. That includes multiple layers of fire prevention tools and practices designed to reduce risk before an emergency arises.
This includes a daily weather watch, where UEC operations staff reviews the latest forecasts and fire conditions. Based on this data, the team may adjust how the electrical system operates—placing it into more sensitive settings that can automatically detect abnormal line activity and shut off power faster than usual if faults are detected. These protective settings are particularly crucial during Red Flag Warnings or in areas already experiencing fire activity.
Another key layer of defense is vegetation management, a year-round effort that ramps up during fire season. UEC crews perform regular patrols to identify vegetation growth and remove dead or overhanging trees that could pose a hazard near power lines. By maintaining clear rights-of-way and eliminating potential fuel sources, the cooperative significantly reduces the chance of lines sparking fires in high-risk zones.
In targeted high-fire-risk areas, UEC has also deployed fire wraps—specialized heat-resistant coverings installed on select power poles. These wraps are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and help protect critical infrastructure during a wildfire event. The goal is to keep power poles intact so that, once it’s safe, UEC can quickly restore service without having to completely rebuild lines from the ground up.
After the immediate threat has passed, UEC crews often stay on-site to inspect and repair equipment, replace damaged infrastructure, and ensure it is safe to restore power. This thorough post-event process helps UEC bring members back online quickly while safeguarding both people and property.
As the region prepares for warmer, drier weather, Umatilla Electric remains committed to keeping the lights on and the community safe. Whether it’s working hand-in-hand with fire departments, deploying crews in the field, adjusting system operations, or taking preventive steps before a fire starts, UEC is ready.
When you see a UEC crew stationed near a fire or on standby in a nearby field, know they’re doing their part to keep you, first responders, and the region we all call home safe.