Chelan wildfire meeting Nov. 19 to cover home protection, power shutoffs

CHELAN – Chelan Valley residents can learn about protecting their homes, preparing emergency supplies and what to expect during a wildfire-related power shutoff at a free community meeting Nov. 19.

“Wildfire Aware: Preparing Homes and Communities” begins at 5:30 p.m. in Chelan Fire & Rescue Meeting Room 1, 232 E. Wapato Ave. Spanish-language interpretation will be available.

The event brings together Chelan PUD, Chelan County Fire Districts 5 and 7, and Cascadia Conservation District to share preparedness information ahead of the next wildfire season.

Presentations will cover home hardening lessons from recent Chelan Valley wildfires, how fire agencies coordinate during emergency response, and building and maintaining an emergency go bag. Residents can also learn about cost-share programs that help homeowners reduce wildfire risk around their properties.

Chelan PUD will explain what customers can expect during a Public Safety Power Shutoff, or PSPS. The utility issued its first such watch for the Chelan area in July.

“Chelan PUD issued its first-ever PSPS watch for the Chelan area in July. Based on customer feedback, we made a commitment to follow-up with more community outreach,” said Whitney Machado, the PUD’s wildfire mitigation program manager.

Each agency’s presentation will last 10 to 15 minutes, followed by an opportunity for audience questions.

Residents who want to discuss their circumstances or ask more detailed questions can speak individually with agency representatives during a “meet the experts” session from 7 to 8 p.m.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media