Unusually large wildfires are on the rise in the Pacific Northwest. Although naturally occurring wildfire is necessary for healthy forests and ecosystems, Washington State has seen an increase in acres burned as well as a lengthening of the fire seasons. In the western U.S. region encompassing the Pacific Northwest, the annual probability of very large fires is projected to increase by a factor of 4 from 2041 to 2070 compared to 1971 to 2000 data1. As a result of this growing risk, legislation was enacted requiring utilities to put practices in place aimed at reducing the risk of wildland fire, damage, and losses resulting from those fires through the development of Wildfire Mitigation Plans (HB-1032). In April 2024, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) published a template and list of recommended elements for electric utility Wildfire Mitigation Plans (WMP). This plan shall adhere to those guidelines and will be revised every 3 years going forward.
Public Utility District No. 1 of Okanogan County (OKPUD, PUD, or the District) believes the proactive development of a thorough WMP prior to the approaching mandate is a prudent and responsible effort to prepare for increased wildfire conditions in Okanogan County. For OKPUD, which aims to protect public safety and preserve the reliable delivery of electricity, wildfire mitigation is a top priority. While an electric utility can never fully eliminate the risk of fire, OKPUD is committed to taking practical actions to reduce the devastation that a wildfire could bring to the people and communities we serve. This Wildfire Mitigation Plan lays out the steps we are taking to do so.
1 Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center