Avista begins vegetation management following wildfires

As residents impacted by area wildfires continue navigating different stages of recovery, Avista is taking the next step to help make affected areas safer, a press release said. 

Beginning Saturday, crews will begin vegetation management work to remove fire-damaged trees and other vegetation that could threaten power lines, utility equipment and public safety near Avista infrastructure.

Fire-damaged trees can become unstable over time, even when they appear healthy. Addressing hazards now will help make the affected areas safer for residents, first responders, contractors and utility crews as efforts continue.

"As communities begin the difficult process of returning to neighborhoods that were evacuated, we want to help make those areas as safe as possible," said Elizabeth Frederiksen, Avista wildfire resiliency and system operations director. "This work allows us to identify and remove fire-damaged trees and vegetation that could pose a risk to people, emergency responders, power lines and other utility equipment."

Wright Tree Service, Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC and equipment from their subsidiary, Core Tree, will be performing this work.