Quanta Services, Idaho Power Partner to Assist Communities Fighting Regional Wildfires Along B2H Transmission Route
Specialty contractor Quanta Services, Inc., an EPC provider in the energy sector, recently took part in repositioning its resources from a massive transmission project to aid wildfire suppression in Idaho and Oregon.
Three operating companies owned by Quanta Services, PJ Helicopters, Summit Line Construction and underground utilities contractor MG Dyess, are working on the nearly 300-mile $1.15 billion Boardman to Hemingway (B2H) project. The B2H project will reportedly extend through five counties in Oregon and one county in Idaho.
While the magnitude of the B2H transmission project stands out, Quanta Services states crew members were well positioned to respond within three days with equipment amid wildfires threatening surrounding communities. According to reports, wildfires have threatened ranch land, homes and the communities surrounding the work during the summer.
The Idaho Capital Sun recently highlighted comments from Idaho Gov. Brad Little and U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz, who warned that firefighting resources are being “stretched thin” across the Western U.S.
“Our longstanding partnership with Idaho Power reflects the value of working together to strengthen and support the communities we serve,” said Karl Studer, president of electric power at Quanta Services. “That partnership positioned our crews and equipment to respond quickly when help was needed.”
Working alongside local community members, Idaho Power reportedly helped clear roadways for fire and emergency crews this month during these wildfire events.
“They showed up with four dozers, water trucks and road blading equipment,” said Angelique Rood, vice president of corporate services and communications at Idaho Power.
Josh B., a rancher whose land sits in the path of the fires, estimated the work by Idaho Power and Quanta Services-owned companies helped protect 10,000 to 15,000 acres.
“Seeing a big organization come in and move that quick to help people out was huge,” he said.
Quanta Services adds that crew members like Brett Beveridge, construction manager with Summit Line Construction, were quick to act on suppressing the fires as a member of the nearby community.
“I live in northeastern Oregon. This is my community,” said Beveridge.
