Wildfire season is a reality in Oregon, and keeping our communities safe is a shared responsibility. Western Oregon Electric Cooperative (WOEC) works year-round to reduce wildfire risk across our system. In rare cases, extreme conditions may require a temporary power shutoff to protect lives and property. This page explains what we’re doing, what members can expect, and how you can prepare.
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS): What Members Can Expect
A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is a planned, temporary outage used only during extreme wildfire danger, typically when hot, dry, windy conditions raise the risk of fire ignition.
If a PSPS becomes necessary, here’s what you can expect:
If conditions suggest a PSPS may be needed, we will give members as much notice as possible so you have time to prepare.
- We will notify members as early as possible when conditions indicate a PSPS may be needed.
- Alerts will include the affected areas, likely timing, and recommended preparation steps.
- Updates will continue as weather and fire conditions evolve.
If a PSPS is implemented, here is what you should expect while power is temporarily turned off for safety.
- Power may be off for several hours, and in some cases longer.
- Crews cannot safely access lines during high winds or active fire conditions.
- Shutoffs may affect multiple areas depending on risk levels.
After the threat passes, restoring service takes time because every line must be checked before it can be safely energized again.
- Once conditions improve, our crews must patrol and inspect lines before power can return.
- Restoration happens section by section after confirming it is safe to re-energize.
- Members will receive status updates throughout the process.
We know this is inconvenient. But when wildfire risk is extreme, a PSPS can prevent a catastrophic fire.
Wildfire Season Readiness
Preparing ahead makes outages safer and less stressful. Every household should have a basic plan.
One of the best defenses against wildfire is defensible space, which is the buffer around your home that reduces how quickly fire can spread.
Defensible space zones
- 0 to 5 feet from structures:
Remove dry leaves, needles, and flammable materials. This zone should stay clean and clear. - 5 to 30 feet:
Trim shrubs, clear dead plants, and keep grass short. Space vegetation so fire can’t climb into trees. - 30 to 100 feet:
Thin trees and remove dead or overcrowded growth. Keep lower branches trimmed up away from the ground.
Seasonal checklist
- Clean gutters, roofs, and decks regularly.
- Move firewood, propane tanks, and other combustibles away from buildings.
- Trim branches away from roofs and power lines.
- Maintain driveways and access routes for emergency crews.
These steps don’t just protect your property, they help firefighters protect your neighborhood.
A simple plan now can prevent real problems later. Make sure everyone in your home knows what to do if the power goes out and conditions change quickly.
- Keep phones charged and vehicles fueled during fire season.
- Know how to open your garage door manually.
- Set a family communication plan and meeting place.
- If you use medical equipment, arrange backup power and notify your medical provider.
Having supplies ready ahead of time helps you stay safe and prepared during a wildfire-related outage.
- Flashlights and extra batteries (avoid candles)
- Charged battery packs and phone cords
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Bottled water and non-perishable food
- First-aid supplies and needed medications
- Copies of important documents
- Fuel for vehicles and generators (stored safely)
Stay informed through reliable sources:
- Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Wildfire Mitigation for regional transmission wildfire prevention efforts and system safety work
- NOAA Weather Alerts for Red Flag warnings, fire weather updates, and air quality
- Ready.gov for emergency kits, evacuation planning, and home preparation
- Oregon Department of Forestry for fire restrictions, local updates, and prevention tool
- Oregon Ready, Set, Go! for preparedness resources and community support
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Wildfires Resource for health and safety guidance during wildfire events, including smoke exposure and cleanup recommendations
What WOEC Is Doing to Prepare
Wildfire mitigation is active, ongoing work. Our efforts include:
Wildfire Mitigation Plan
WOEC maintains a formal wildfire mitigation plan (PDF) focused on reducing ignition risk and strengthening system safety. The plan guides inspections, operations, and emergency response during wildfire season.
Coordination With State & Local Fire Officials
We coordinate closely with state and local fire agencies before and during fire season. This ensures shared situational awareness and improves response when conditions change fast.
Vegetation Management
Contracted tree crews complete identified vegetation work to:
- reduce wildfire risk near power lines
- improve electric reliability
- protect public safety
This includes trimming, clearing, and removing hazardous trees and brush along rights of way.
System Hardening
We’re reinforcing the system in high risk areas by:
- upgrading equipment
- improving pole and line durability
- reducing potential ignition points in extreme conditions
These investments are aimed at long-term safety and dependable service.
We’re Here When You Need Us
If you have questions about wildfire mitigation, PSPS, or preparedness, contact WOEC. We’ll keep doing our part to protect the communities we serve, and we appreciate you doing yours.