CEO Column: Trico’s Wildfire Mitigation Efforts

On May 24th Trico attended the Mt. Lemmon Firewise Block Party to share information about Trico’s wildfire mitigation efforts, tips for how Members can help, and our cooperative’s plan to enhance our system and limit the risk and impact of wildfires.

Over the years, several wildfires have affected communities served by Trico. Each year Trico takes steps to prepare for potential wildfires. I want to share some of the steps we have taken and our latest efforts to keep our community safe and our system reliable.

Trico’s wildfire mitigation efforts go back decades, starting with a well‑maintained system and smart, efficient right-of-way management. This includes regular line patrols, line maintenance, and clearing rights-of-way and hazard trees. Trico coordinates with the forest service, local agencies, the county and towns to make sure we are performing this work in a responsible way that protects the community and the environment.    

While vegetation management and grid maintenance are important methods of wildfire mitigation, we are also taking more innovative approaches. As an example, here are some highlights of Trico’s wildfire mitigation efforts:

Formed a Wildfire Mitigation and Environmental Committee

• Working to enhance our written Wildfire Mitigation Plan
• Awarded a $750,000 Wildfire Assessment and Resilience for Networks (WARN) grant
• Using software to assess the highest-risk areas in our service territory
• Wrapping our poles in fire resistant material to strengthen the grid
• Reviewing new materials, equipment, and tools to help minimize risk
• Using software and system settings to help manage risk while maintaining reliability
• Improving our ability to track weather and fire conditions and identify potential faults on our system
• Continuing to educate our Members on what they can do to minimize fire risk

Our teams have already done a significant amount of work on these projects and Trico will continue to invest time and money to manage wildfire risk and protect our Members. Over the next four years, Trico will be using funds from the federal WARN Grant to perform additional vegetation management on its right-of-way on Mt. Lemmon (and in other high-risk areas) and harden its power lines with fire resistant wrapping. The improved resilience will ensure reliable service to key communications assets located on Mt. Lemmon (radio, television, and communications towers) that serve Tucson and Southern Arizona, and most important help protect our Members, the homes and businesses in the area, as well as the valuable natural environment on Mt. Lemmon.

We understand that our Members rely on electricity for their daily needs, their wells, medical equipment, and other vital needs. We take our responsibility very seriously and the safety of our Members is always top of mind. Serving our Members is the focus of all we do. Thank you for taking the time to read this column and thank you for being a valued Trico Member.

There are steps you can take to protect your home and our community from wildfires. This includes creating a defensible space around your home. See the infographic at right for wildfire prevention tips. For more info, visit Firewise.org.