Wildfire Season Preparedness at UIUC

As peak wildfire season sets in across Oregon, Umpqua Indian Utility Cooperative (UIUC) is taking every step to safeguard the Tribe’s energy infrastructure and keep power flowing to the community. Our approach to wildfire mitigation goes far beyond industry standards—and our infrastructure reflects that commitment.

Built Underground, Built for Safety                                                                                                           

UIUC stands apart from other utilities: 100% of our electric distribution lines are underground. Unlike overhead lines that are exposed to wind, falling debris, and vegetation, our underground system is fully insulated and protected. This greatly reduces the chance of electrical equipment sparking a wildfire, and it ensures faster recovery if a fire from another source impacts the area.

Fewer Shutoffs, More Resilience

Built Underground, Built for Safety Many utilities use public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) to reduce the risk of fires, shutting off power during high wind or dry weather events. But these shutoffs can last for hours (or days), leaving homes without essential services like refrigeration, air conditioning, and medical device power.

At UIUC, our underground system means we’re far less likely to trigger a PSPS. We reserve
that option only as a last resort and coordinate closely with Tribal and regional emergency agencies if de-energization becomes necessary. Though our lines are underground, we still prioritize vegetation management around above-ground equipment like transformers, sectionalizing cabinets, and switches. UIUC follows national safety standards (ANSI A300, ANSI C2, and OAR 860-024-0017) to trim vegetation and remove hazard trees—those dead or dying and at risk of falling onto critical equipment.

Ground-Level Fire Prevention                                                                                                                       

Though our lines are underground, we still prioritize vegetation management around above-ground equipment like transformers, sectionalizing cabinets, and switches. UIUC follows national safety standards (ANSI A300, ANSI C2, and OAR 860-024-0017) to trim vegetation and remove hazard trees—those dead or dying and at risk of falling onto critical equipment.

Prepared and Ready to Respond

In partnership with the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe’s Emergency Management team, UIUC has a comprehensive emergency response plan that includes coordination with local fire agencies and emergency responders. We perform regular tabletop exercises to practice rapid decision-making during emergencies. If outages do occur, UIUC’s crews respond quickly from our Canyonville facility, restoring service as safely and swiftly as possible.

Inspection and Maintenance 

UIUC inspects 50% of its system annually through routine patrols and completes detailed underground line inspections on a 10-year cycle, prioritizing high-risk areas. Every repair is triaged based on the level of safety risk, ensuring we meet or exceed state safety rules and quickly address potential issues.

Protecting People, Power, and Land

Wildfire risks are rising in southwest Oregon, especially in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) where Tribal lands and developed areas meet dense forests. UIUC’s mitigation strategies— including advanced weather monitoring, underground construction, and fire suppression coordination—are essential to protecting our homes, environment, and Tribal sovereignty.

As fire season continues, you can count on UIUC to deliver safe, dependable power for the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe, without compromise.