PGE Hosts Wildfire Ready Open House to Boost Community Preparedness
ESTACADA, Ore. — In an effort to mitigate wildfire risks this summer, Portland General Electric (PGE) recently held a Wildfire Ready community open house, collaborating with various fire prevention agencies. The event aimed to educate residents, particularly those in high-risk areas, about fire safety strategies and the importance of collective monitoring of weather conditions.
During the open house, PGE officials demonstrated how partnerships with local organizations help enhance community safety through the development of fire prevention strategies. “We want to reach out to residents before another wildfire season begins,” a PGE spokesperson emphasized.
PGE collaborates closely with fire prevention agencies to assess when power shutoffs may be necessary due to unfavorable weather conditions. The company has made significant strides in safety measures, with nearly 60% of its distribution lines now underground. John Farmer, PGE’s spokesperson, explained that decisions concerning the placement of power lines are based on local geological and geographical factors.
Residents were encouraged by Clackamas County’s deputy disaster manager, Jamie Poole, to prepare a “go bag” and familiarize themselves with evacuation routes well ahead of the wildfire season. Poole highlighted the importance of learning from past evacuation challenges, stating, “We’ve taken lessons learned and applied them to make improvements for future fire seasons.” Enhancements to the county’s alert system and replacement evacuation maps in various languages aim to ensure all community members can respond effectively in emergencies.
As wildfire season approaches, events like this open house serve as essential platforms for empowering residents with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance community resilience against wildfires.
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