Wildfire Season Safety

Dear Members,

So far this year, local fire districts have already had to deal with a significant number of structure fires and wildfires. Benton REA is grateful for the men and women who protect our homes, businesses and Benton REA’s electric infrastructure.

It is the policy of Benton REA to take reasonable actions to reduce the risk of wildfires during extreme weather conditions, when wildfires may result from the operation of electric system facilities. We do this by maintaining such electric system facilities in a manner that minimizes such risks, and by monitoring weather conditions to identify those that could have an impact on power lines—such as extreme drought and/or high temperatures—and adjust electrical system operations to reduce wildfire risks in such conditions.

Regardless of the cause, Benton REA will notify members impacted by large power outages via our website outage map and social media. Follow Benton REA on Facebook and Twitter for the most up-to-date outage information.

Safety is Benton REA’s first priority. I encourage you to also practice safe wildfire prevention on your property and report potential fire risks, that may affect or damage power line equipment, to Benton REA at 509-786-2913 or 509-786-1626. You can read the Benton REA Wildfire Mitigation Plan at www.BentonREA.org/wildfire.

Cooperatively,

Michael J. Bradshaw, General Manager/Executive VP

Tips to Prevent Wildfires

• Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure you completely extinguish the fire when you’re done. Drench the fire with water and stir the ashes until cold.
• When burning yard waste, follow local ordinances. Avoid burning in windy conditions, and keep a shovel, water and fire retardant nearby to keep fires in check. Play it safe when using fueled lanterns, heaters and stoves. Lighting and heating devices should be cool before refueling. Keep flammable liquids and fuel away from appliances. 
• Never discard cigarettes, matches and smoking materials from moving vehicles, or anywhere on park grounds. Completely extinguish cigarettes before disposing of them.