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5 Tips to Reduce Wildfire Risks

Inside Ruralite

fireBy Abby Berry

Wildfires have become common in the Pacific Northwest and other parts of the United States. Traditionally associated with dry, fire-prone regions like California, wildfires are now affecting areas in the Midwest and even parts of the Southeast.

This shift is driven by rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and changing weather patterns, which are creating conditions ripe for fires in regions that historically saw fewer of them. As a result, more communities are now facing growing threats from wildfires, prompting a need for broader awareness and preparedness nationwide.

Lane Electric Cooperative is working to reduce the risk of wildfires throughout our service territory. Through regular vegetation management, grid maintenance, and hardening practices, we are proactively working to reduce risks and improve the reliability of our local system.

As a Lane Electric member, there are steps you can take to prevent wildfires and be prepared:

  1. Properly extinguish campfires. Always douse your campfire with water, stir the ashes, and ensure everything is cool to the touch before leaving the area.
  2. Clear vegetation and debris. Maintain a defensible space around your home by removing dry leaves, dead branches, and other flammable materials.
  3. Use equipment safely. Tools like lawnmowers or chainsaws can spark fires. Use them during cooler times of the day and keep them in good working condition.
  4. Follow local fire regulations. Always check the Lane Fire Authority on the Fire and Burn Season Information page and the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency for up-to-the-minute information on allowable burning days and all backyard burn regulations. Always check for burn bans or restrictions before burning anything or using open flames outdoors.
  5. Be prepared to be without power for extended periods. When there is an extreme risk of a wildfire—during strong winds, dry weather, or leaning trees near power lines—sometimes electric utilities, including Lane Electric, turn off power on purpose to help keep people safe. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff. Turning off the power can stop sparks from starting fires, especially in areas where fires spread quickly.
    When a PSPS is coming, Lane Electric tries to notify members ahead of time. We might send alerts by phone, text, or email, depending on the circumstances and the notifications you asked for. That way, you have time to get ready. The power could be out for hours or even days, depending on how bad the weather is and how long it takes to check the power lines before turning the electricity back on. Log in to SmartHub today to customize your notification preferences before we head into the hottest and driest season of the year. If you need help logging in or have questions, please call our office from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday for assistance.
  6. Sign up for Lane Alerts. For county-wide emergency notifications—including evacuation notices—Lane County residents are encouraged to sign up at www.LaneAlerts.org. Creating a free account lets you choose exactly how and where you’d like to receive alerts. Prefer a quick start? Simply text your ZIP code to 888777 to begin receiving emergency notifications directly from Lane County.

To be ready for a PSPS, members should make a plan. Keep flashlights, batteries, and a charged phone battery pack in your home. Have enough food and water for several days, especially food that doesn’t need to be cooked. If someone in your home uses medical equipment that needs power, talk to your doctor about what to do during an outage. Being prepared can help keep you and your family safe and calm during a shutoff.