Wildfire Mitigation at Tri-State:
A look at the multi-layer defense protecting our communities
In 2024, among the four states we serve, over acres burned in wildland fires, and ranks second for most homes at risk of extreme fires in the United States. Our service territory contains national forests and parks, cultural sites, endangered plants and animals, as well as farms, ranches, small towns and 18 Native nations. In order to protect the people and ecosystems we serve, Tri-State has constructed and deployed a multi-layered mitigation plan. Our current approach is broken down into two categories: situational awareness and risk reduction.
Situational Awareness
Preventative situational awareness is the first line of defense for fire mitigation. We’re making data-driven decisions to ensure our resources are being used efficiently and effectively. We're replacing wood structures with steel structures, wrapping the bottom of wood poles with fire-resistant material, and working with employees to limit the types of work done on red flag days (i.e. no chainsaws on dry days, no drones on windy days.)
Wildfire Mitigation 1-Sheeter
Tools and Technology
With 24/7 monitoring, risk modeling and daily reporting, Tri-State can be both proactive and reactive. If an anomaly like a fallen tree branch is detected on a line, our operations team is able to see and respond to voltage fluctuations in real time. Or, if an area with high ground fuels is facing prolonged drought conditions, we can put a plan together to mitigate that risk.
Wildfire Risk Modeling
We evaluate thermal hotspots, wind, smoke, drought, wildfire fuel track severe weather events. With this data, we're able to make meaningful decisions when considering methods to lower risk such as veg management plans and operational settings.
Drone Inspections
Putting drones in the hands of our professionally trained and experienced field employees has drastically reduced line inspection time, saved labor costs and decreased hazardous man-hours, all while increasing the level of detailed information we receive in a timely, cost-effective manner.
Daily Reporting
Every day of the year, we conduct geographic analysis and data visualization while integrating active fire data layers to assess and monitor conditions. Data drives operational controls and safe field work practices to reduce the risk of accidental ignition of a wildfire.
Collaboration
Tri-State has a dedicated internal wildfire steering committee and we host an annual wildfire summit. In addition to state and federal organizations, we are also members of the Western Regional Mutual Assistance Agreement and coordinate relief during large
Risk Reduction
Tri-State uses our risk modeling and reporting data to plan where we spend time, labor and capital. We harden our system by clearing and controlling our right-of-ways (the area around power lines), making our structures more resistant to fire, and adapting field techniques based on wildfire risk.
System Hardening
System hardening is crucial to maintain grid reliability and minimize disruptions caused by natural disasters, but it is a time, labor and capital-intensive process that requires large-scale programs that can take years of planning and permitting. The work is well worth the returns to safeguard our system and provide reliable, safe and affordable power.
Vegetation Management
We remove “danger trees” – any tree or its parts that may fall on a line because of damage, defect,
or disease. We also remove trees or shrubs growing into our line and clear fire fuels beneath
it.
Read more about our
program.
Specialized Equipment
In addition to All Hazard Alert software, we also dedicate heavy equipment such as helicopters, masticators and bucket trucks to help us navigate difficult terrain and protect the habitat. For example, Tri-State uses helilogging to reduce environmental impact and remove fire fuels.
Field Techniques
Depending on wildfire conditions, we change how our employees work in the field. For example not using drones on windy days or limiting chainsaw use on red flag days. From the desk to the field, Tri-State takes a multi-layered approach to mitigate risk.
Our Members in Action
Across our cooperative, we take fire mitigation seriously. Alongside Tri-State’s efforts, our members conduct vegetation management to protect the homes, businesses and properties of their end consumers.
SMPA is Pioneering Fire Mitigation Efforts on Colorado’s Western Slope
Putting a Pin in the Map for GIS Day
