Chelan PUD Preventative Measures Result in Minimal Impact from Red Apple Fire

Chelan PUD utilities fared fairly well during the Red Apple Fire due to preventative measures implemented by the utility.

The fire originated close to the Andrew York Switchyard and came close to the fence on the northside of the switchyard. Two transmission lines were near the fire and would've caused a heavy impact had the lines burned.

"That was very fortunate that the pole grubbing (trimming vegetation around lines)," said John Stoll, managing director of customer utilities. "About ten years ago, we started pretty active pole painting (using fire-retardant paint on power poles) and that paid off well."

According to Stoll, crews had recently conducted pole grubbing prior to the Red Apple Fire. Two of three transmission lines were damaged in Monitor Wednesday, however the PUD maintained service by re-routing power through other lines.

"[In the Sunnyslope area] very limited power outages. I think we had a melted junction box created a small outage," said Stoll. "I think about 5 to 7 fiber customers lost service, but for the most part the system stayed strong."

Chelan PUD also operates a water system in the Sunnyslope area, which maintained service to residents while supplying water for the firefighting efforts.