Chelan PUD Restores Power After Wildfire

Aug. 19, 2015
Chelan PUD crews worked until late Sunday night to get most of the Chelan Valley and McNeil Canyon back into power.

Washington state-based Chelan PUD crews worked until late Sunday night to get most of the Chelan Valley and McNeil Canyon back into power after wildfires moved through its service area. Customers are advised that even in the areas where power has been restored, there may be some isolated outages due to damaged equipment. PUD crews are turning their attention to the Antoine Creek and Chelan airport locations.

Chelan PUD also reported today that a burned tree in the First Creek area, along the south shore of Lake Chelan, fell into power lines, taking down the Manson substation, which is connected to Chelan’s south shore by an underwater line. Approximately 3,100 customers lost power but most were restored within an hour. Power was restored to all affected by this outage by 8:30 p.m.

The biggest hazards facing crews are:

  • Steep, rocky terrain in the Antoine Creek area where ground is unstable and there is still some fire activity;
  • Biting and stinging insects – crews need to be aware in the event any crew members have a reaction to bites or stings;
  • Rattlesnakes – crews are reporting seeing a number of snakes;

Power has been restored to Chelan Falls, Powerhouse and Beebe Parks. Chelan Falls and Powerhouse parks remain closed to the public for fire crew staging. Beebe Park has been reopened to the public with electric, water and sewer services restored. Beebe Park day use area is still being used by fire personnel for staging.

Fiber/internet service hasn’t been restored in Chelan Valley yet. Backbone service restoration is a priority for today.

Almost 100 poles – and counting – are damaged. The fire is placing a great deal of pressure on PUD resource supplies such as poles, cable and personnel. The PUD is working hard to restock materials to support the crews. Regular and previously scheduled work is being delayed due to fire response. The public is asked for their understanding and patience if a project is delayed.

Mutual aid crews from Okanogan and Douglas County, one crew each with 4 – 5 service personnel – crews are bringing materials and poles to help with restoration. They will be onsite Monday to assist Chelan PUD crews. Two contract crews continue to assist the PUD in the airport area.

The PUD office in Chelan is open.

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