Image: John Lee Jr., Chief of the Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Department and LPEA board director surveying a brush fire.

Summer is here and so is the threat of wildfires. LPEA is hard at work now, and year-round, to ensure we do our part to reduce fire risks. Below are five measures we’re taking and three measures you can take to help prevent wildfires.

What we do

• Line inspection/maintenance – In addition to visual inspection, we use aerial drones to help inspect nearly 2,000 miles of overhead line and 40,000 poles.
• Raptor protection – We aim to install raptor protection devices on all LPEA infrastructure by 2025. This reduces outages and protects birds, squirrels, raccoons, bears, etc., saving their lives and preventing fires that their electrocution may have caused.  
• Vegetation management – We manage vegetation near LPEA’s infrastructure regularly. Each year, we trim more than 200 miles of overhead lines, which gives us one of the most aggressive tree-trimming programs in the state.
• High risk/red flag days – We constantly monitor the weather from our dispatch center. Lineworkers are readily available for quick response times on holiday weekends and red flag warning days.  
• Education – Many people are unaware of the dangers and hazards of electricity. We offer electric safety demonstrations for children and first responders. If you'd like to book a demonstration for your class, group, or organization, GO HERE.

What you can do

• Clear your own brush – The Wildfire Adapted Partnership’s (WAP) 2022 Chipper Rebate Program is open until September 30 or until funds are depleted. WAP reimburses homeowners 50% of their chipper use expenses, up to $250 per household. HOAs or communities that rent chippers or hire contractors to provide chipping services may also qualify for a 50% rebate of up to $750. More: chipper@wildfireadapted.org
• Assess your risk – WAP also offers a Home Wildfire Site Visit to determine your property’s wildfire risk and propose mitigative efforts. More: http://wildfireadapted.org/home-wildfire-risk-site-visit
• Research resources – Learn about city and county opportunities to reduce risk through programs like the city’s spring and fall cleanup, and potential chipper rebate opportunities. Contact your city/ county office for more details.