Wildfire Safety
Every summer, wildfires can threaten our homes, farms, businesses, and forests. They can also cause power outages. In extreme conditions Idaho Power may temporarily shut off power as a last resort in some areas to keep our customers, employees, equipment, and the public safe.
We want to help you prepare, know what to expect, and understand how Idaho Power works to reduce wildfire risks.
Prepare for Outages
Wildfires can damage electrical equipment and cause outages. Learn valuable tips like how to build an outage kit, where to find updates during an outage, and what to do if your power goes out.
Tips for Customers with Special Needs
A strong plan is especially important if you rely on electricity for medical needs. Plan for power-dependent equipment, prepare for storing medications that need to be kept cool, and review outage planning tips for vulnerable customers.
Information for Critical Facilities
Our communities rely on critical facilities — hospitals, gas stations, etc. — every day. Here are some tips to help these important institutions prepare for outages and emergencies.
Public Safety Power Shutoffs
A public safety power shutoff (PSPS), is when a utility like Idaho Power temporarily turns off power to an area where wildfire risk is high due to extreme weather conditions. A PSPS can help keep our communities safe.
Why This Happens
- Strong winds, dry conditions, extreme heat, or thunderstorms can increase fire risk
- Power lines can cause sparks if tree branches or debris touches them, or if something else damages them.
- Turning off power can prevent fires.
Important!
- Turning off power is a last resort to protect the community.
- Outages will last until conditions are safe.
Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP)
As part of our constant work to deliver safe, reliable, affordable energy to your home or business, Idaho Power has developed a wildfire mitigation plan. This plan helps us prepare for and respond to wildfires.
How We Protect the Grid and Reduce Wildfire Risk
We work hard year-round to protect poles and other equipment from wildfire and reduce fire risk. Protecting the grid starts with installing high-quality equipment that meets or exceeds industry standards. We regularly inspect and maintain that equipment. We’re also investing in improvements to protect the grid and customers from wildfires.
Enhanced Protection Settings
During wildfire season, for the safety of our communities, Idaho Power sometimes implements enhanced protection settings on powerlines in wildfire-prone areas. These lines will not try to automatically re-energize if something causes an outage. This change helps reduce the risk of sparks causing a fire in dry, hot weather. While this could lead to more frequent outages for some customers, it’s an important temporary measure to reduce wildfire risk during the peak of wildfire season.
How You Can Help
- Update your contact information at idahopower.com/contactupdate so we can reach you in an emergency.
- Monitor and obey fire restrictions.
- Use designated fire rings provided at campgrounds.
- Fully extinguish your campfire after use.
- Follow all firework laws and keep a hose nearby when lighting fireworks.
- Never park or start a vehicle on dry grass.
- Keep trailer chains from dragging along roads.
- Check trailer tires for proper air pressure, and ensure the rubber is in good condition.
- Never throw cigarettes from vehicles.
- Obtain appropriate fire permits (depending on type and location of fire).
- Create a defensible space around your home.
- Have a power outage kit ready.
En español
- Actualice su información de contacto en idahopower.com/contactupdate para poder localizarlo en caso de emergencia.
- Monitoree y cumpla con las restricciones en caso de incendio.
- Utilice los círculos de fuego designados en las áreas de campamento.
- Apague completamente la fogata después de utilizarla.
- Respete las leyes respecto a los fuegos artificiales y conserve una manguera cerca cuando encienda fuegos artificiales.
- Utilice barras luminosas en lugar de luces de bengala.
- No se estacione ni ponga en marcha un auto sobre hierba seca.
- Evite que las cadenas para remolque arrastren sobre el pavimento.
- Revise que la presión de aire de los neumáticos sea el adecuado y que las gomas estén en buenas condiciones.
- No arroje cigarrillos encendidos desde un vehículo.
- Obtenga los permisos para fogatas correspondientes (dependiendo del tipo y el lugar donde se encuentre la fogata).
- Desarrolle una línea de protección contra incendios alrededor de su casa.
- Prepare un kit para las interrupciones de energía eléctrica.
For assistance with a PDF on this page or to request a PDF in an alternate format, please contact Customer Service at 208-388-2323 or 1-800-488-6151