Pacific Power pitches wildfire prevention plan to Jackson County Commissioners

Jackson County, Ore — Pacific Power’s plan to mitigate wildfire risk took another step forward as representatives from the power company met with Jackson County Commissioners.

Pacific Power unveiled a plan earlier this year to prevent fires started by utilities such as power lines.

That plan includes the last resort of a public safety power shut-off in certain areas where weather conditions may lead to a high risk of fire.

Pacific Power says any shut off would follow at least 3 days of preparation and partnership with emergency managers so residents and emergency crews affected by the loss of power would be safe.

“If we identify, if ODF identifies, if the firefighters identify, that their suppression activities are going to be impacted negatively by a power shut-off, it probably won’t happen.” said Jackson County Emergency Manager Stacey Anderson Belt.

Pacific Power and Jackson County Emergency Management have planned public meetings for affected areas in early July. Exact times and locations are still being discussed.

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Matt Jordan is the Chief Meteorologist for KOBI-TV NBC5. Matt joined the NBC5 weather team in 2014 after a year as a reporter and anchor in Alexandria, Louisiana. His experience with the severe weather of the Deep South and a love of the Pacific Northwest led him to pursue a certification with Mississippi State University as a Broadcast Meteorologist. You can find Matt working in the evenings of NBC5 News at 5, 6 and 11 as well as online. Matt also has a degree in Journalism from the University of Oregon. In addition to being passionate about news and weather, Matt is a BIG Oregon Ducks fan. When not rooting for the Ducks or tracking down the next storm over the Pacific, Matt can be found outdoors in the Oregon wilderness with his wife, his daughter and their dogs Stanley and Gordi.
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