Avista Utilities has notified close to 1,200 customers in Asotin County that their power may be shut off Saturday afternoon as the utility takes precautions against potential wildfire ignition during high fire-risk conditions.
The utility issued the public safety power shutoff warning Friday for customers in Asotin and surrounding areas along a corridor north of Washington State Route 129, extending toward Swallows Rock, as well as residents along Asotin Creek. A separate warning was issued the same day for customers northwest of Spokane’s Indian Trail area—the second such notice in that zone within a week.
No shutoff order had been finalized as of Friday afternoon. David Vowels, an Avista spokesperson, stated that “the decision has not been made to de-energize at this time. We’re warning it may happen. The decision will be made Saturday when more accurate weather forecast information is available.”
Shutoff Timeline and Restoration Process
If authorized, the outage would occur Saturday afternoon and could last more than 24 hours. Avista will restore power only after fire risk subsides and conditions become safe for re-energization. Before customers’ electricity is restored, crews must physically inspect power lines and associated equipment to ensure they remain intact and operational.
The utility may deploy drones to assess the condition of power lines and infrastructure across the affected area, streamlining the inspection process before power is switched back on.
Understanding Public Safety Power Shutoffs
Public safety power shutoffs are temporary, geographically targeted outages designed to reduce fire risk during periods of extreme weather and dry conditions. By cutting power to lines in high-risk zones, utilities aim to prevent equipment failures or downed lines from sparking wildfires that could spread rapidly across dry vegetation.
The shutoff strategy has become increasingly common across the Pacific Northwest during fire season. Idaho and the broader region have experienced significant wildfire activity in recent years, with crews currently battling the Greer Fire, which has grown to hundreds of acres in difficult terrain, and Highway 11 remaining closed as containment efforts continue.
Asotin County residents should prepare for the possibility of extended power loss by charging devices, locating flashlights and batteries, and ensuring any medical equipment relying on electricity has backup power sources. Those dependent on well pumps should also fill bathtubs or containers with water in advance.
Current Fire Conditions
The shutoff warning reflects growing concern over fire conditions across the region. High temperatures, low humidity, and dry vegetation create ideal conditions for rapid fire spread. Asotin County’s geography—with steep terrain, dense vegetation, and proximity to state forests—makes it particularly vulnerable to large-scale wildfires that can move quickly and threaten homes and infrastructure.
Avista’s decision to issue dual warnings for both the Asotin area and the Indian Trail zone suggests that forecasters are tracking multiple weather patterns that could elevate fire risk across a wide swath of the Inland Northwest on Saturday.
Customers who depend on electricity for medical needs should contact Avista or their healthcare providers to discuss backup power options or temporary relocation during the outage period.
More information on fire risk and preparedness resources is available through the Idaho Department of Lands and local fire management agencies.
What Comes Next
Avista will issue a final decision on whether to proceed with the power shutoff Saturday morning, based on the latest weather data. Customers in the affected area should monitor Avista’s communications Friday and Saturday for updates. If the shutoff is implemented, power restoration timelines will depend on fire risk conditions and the results of equipment inspections, which may extend the outage well into Sunday or beyond.