In the rugged terrain of northern New Mexico, keeping trees and plants away from power lines is a critical part of protecting electric reliability and reducing wildfire risk, especially along the transmission corridors in Carson National Forest. It became clear that without a more precise way to identify and manage incompatible vegetation in this area, efforts to maintain a safe distance between trees and lines would begin to fall behind.

Welcome to The People Behind the Power™, where we showcase the extraordinary work Tri-State employees are doing to keep the lights on for nearly 1 million energy consumers in the rural West. This series pulls back the curtain to share the real stories of the individuals whose dedication powers our communities. Because when you meet the people behind the power, you see the heart, talent, and perseverance that goes into every flip of a switch.

In rural America, nearly two-thirds of firefighters are volunteers, and they’re often the first line of defense when wildfires ignite. But as fire seasons grow longer and more intense across the West, these departments face mounting challenges. That’s why Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association is partnering with San Isabel Electric Association (SIEA) to deliver superior technology and training to fighting fires, because the best wildfire response begins before the flames appear.