Generated

Avista Utilities planned power shutoffs in North Idaho and surrounding areas to mitigate wildfire risks on Saturday.

Avista Utilities scheduled power shutoffs for approximately 17,678 customers in North Idaho and surrounding regions on Saturday afternoon to manage high wildfire risks. The utility company decided to power down about 20 areas between Grangeville and Rathdrum starting at 4 p.m. Pacific Time due to dry conditions and strong winds. Additional outages were implemented in areas west of Clarkston and north of Kamiah, affecting roughly 300 customers. These measures were taken as the Northwest region faced a red flag fire warning and a "particularly dangerous situation" warning for the Palouse, Spokane, and Snake River areas. Ongoing fires, such as the Old Trails Fire and the Fairview Fire, are currently threatening buildings in Spokane and have prompted Level 3 evacuation orders. Avista Utilities will restore power once weather conditions improve and crews can safely inspect the equipment.

Sources