It’s no secret wildfires have become an increasingly dire problem in many Western states, including Idaho, even though the Gem State has escaped the widespread damage seen in Washington, Oregon and California the past few years.
In response to what has been a severe start to the 2021 season, Idaho Power is attempting to mitigate the chances that the company’s infrastructure could lead to a destructive — and possibly deadly — fire.
Officials from Idaho Power presented their mitigation plan to the Ada County Commission on Monday afternoon — a plan that could include increased outages in some areas and clearing vegetation around company utility sites. Idaho Power Regional Manager Brent Lulloff told commissioners that it’s not just how dry the land is that matters, it’s also how many people live in a certain place. As a result, the Foothills area in Ada County is particularly vulnerable.