URECC’s Wildfire Mitigation Efforts

Wildfires pose an increasing risk to communities, infrastructure, and electric service across our region. Upshur Rural Electric Cooperative is taking proactive steps to reduce wildfire risk and protect the reliability of the electric system our members depend on every day.

Why Wildfire Mitigation Matters

Electric infrastructure can be vulnerable during extreme weather and dry conditions. High winds, overgrown vegetation, and aging equipment can all contribute to wildfire risk if not carefully managed. URECC’s wildfire mitigation efforts are designed to reduce these risks before problems occur—helping keep communities safe while maintaining reliable power.

Proactive System Improvements

URECC continuously evaluates its electric system to identify areas that may be more susceptible to wildfire risk. This includes:

• Upgrading equipment to modern standards that improve reliability and reduce the chance of electrical faults
• Inspecting power lines, poles, and hardware to ensure they are in safe operating condition
• Strengthening system design to better withstand environmental stressors such as wind and heat

These improvements help minimize the likelihood that electrical equipment could contribute to a wildfire.

Vegetation Management: A Key Defense

One of the most effective ways to reduce wildfire risk is managing vegetation near power lines. URECC crews regularly trim trees and clear right-of-ways to maintain safe distances between vegetation and electrical equipment. While this work can sometimes be inconvenient or visually noticeable, it plays a critical role in preventing outages and reducing fire hazards.

Ongoing Monitoring and Planning

Wildfire mitigation is not a one-time project—it’s an ongoing process. URECC continually monitors conditions, reviews best practices, and updates strategies to adapt to changing environmental risks. This forward-thinking approach allows the cooperative to respond quickly and responsibly when conditions warrant additional precautions.

How Members Can Help

Members also play an important role in wildfire prevention. Reporting downed lines, damaged equipment, or hazardous vegetation helps URECC address potential issues faster. Staying clear of electrical equipment and following local fire safety guidelines further supports community safety.

A Commitment to Safety and Reliability

URECC’s wildfire mitigation efforts reflect a commitment to protecting people, property, and power. By investing in infrastructure, maintaining clear right-of-ways, and planning for the future, the cooperative is working to ensure safe, reliable electric service—today and for years to come.

For URECC, wildfire mitigation isn’t just about protecting the grid—it’s about protecting the communities we serve.