The fires that have burned across west central Nebraska early this spring are a stark reminder of the elevated wildfire risk we currently face. The unusually dry winter coupled with the all too common windy days of spring have created a dangerous combination. At Highline Electric Association, protecting our members and the communities we serve is our highest priority. As we recognize National Wildfire Awareness Month in May, I want you to know that wildfire mitigation is not seasonal work for us. It is a year round commitment embedded in how we operate and invest in our local electric system.
Wildfire mitigation at Highline starts with a comprehensive wildfire mitigation plan. The first step in the development of that plan was to identify high risk areas within our service territory. These are areas that contain a lot of fuel — vegetation — in proximity to our power lines.
It is necessary to understand a little about power system protection to comprehend the second part of our wildfire mitigation plan. We utilize devices called reclosers throughout our electric system. These devices are essentially an electric circuit breaker that is designed to reclose an opening to keep power flowing — cleverly named, right? The idea is that most faults on an overhead electric system are temporary in nature and clear themselves. While reclosers work very well and have served us well for decades, repeatedly closing in on a fault isn’t the best practice on a high fire danger day, as it can cause sparks to fly.
The second part of our wildfire mitigation plan is to place these modern electronic reclosers that can be remotely controlled in the identified high risk areas. This control allows Highline to set these reclosers in a non reclose, one shot, mode on high risk days when Red Flag Warnings have been issued.
In this mode, the device opens and remains open until Highline has determined it is safe to be closed. This ability to control our electronic reclosers remotely greatly reduces the ignition risk posed by our system on high risk days. Finally, our plan requires that Highline personnel will visually inspect all lines protected by an open recloser prior to re energizing on Red Flag Warning days.
Wildfire mitigation also requires thoughtful public policy. We are working with our statewide organization to get common sense legislation that would limit the liability faced by utilities that have implemented wildfire mitigation plans. While several states have passed similar legislation, it has proven to be an uphill battle in Colorado.
While we are committed to doing our part, wildfire prevention is a shared responsibility. There are important steps each of us can take to protect our homes and neighborhoods:
- Properly extinguish fires by dousing them with water, stirring the ashes, and ensuring they are cool to the touch before leaving the area.
- Avoid outdoor burning on windy or excessively dry days.
- Maintain a defensible space around your home by clearing dry leaves, dead branches, and other flammable debris.
- Use lawn equipment carefully, particularly during hot conditions, and always check local regulations for burning bans or restrictions.
Wildfires are becoming more complex and more widespread, but through proactive system management, smart investments, sound policy, and community partnerships, we can reduce risks and strengthen resilience.
At Highline, we take this responsibility seriously. Our members depend on us not only for reliable power, but for leadership in safeguarding the communities we call home.
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Dennis Herman is the general manager of Highline Electric Association, a rural electric distribution cooperative based in Holyoke, Colorado, serving members across the northeastern plains.
