Wildfire Safety
Working to Reduce the Risk of Wildfires
Preventing wildfires is part of our Reliability Roadmap to build a smarter and stronger electric grid. In Michigan, wildfires are most likely to occur March through August. While the risk of wildfire remains low compared to the Western U.S., it’s important to be vigilant. We've created a plan of how we will mitigate wildfire risk that involves our electric system while keeping safety first.
How We’re Taking Action to Reduce Risk
We Pay Close Attention to Dangerous Situations
We watch weather closely as well as any heightened wildfire risk warnings (including Red Flag Warnings) so that we can respond quickly. We use data from wildfire weather forecasting, enhanced inspections and wildfire risk modeling to help us make informed decisions.
We Clear Our Power Lines to Reduce Risk
We will speed up the pace of line clearing in areas with high wildfire risk. This will help us to better manage growth and limit potential vegetation to conductor contact.
How We Operate More Safely When Risk is High
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Field Operations:
When fire risk is high, we change how we work in the field to reduce the risk of ignition from the electric system, while keeping our employees safe.
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Equipment Settings:
We have action plans in place to prevent sparks from our electric system when risk of wildfire is high.
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Public Safety Power Shutoff:
We are carefully designing plans to turn off power in specific areas when wildfire risk is high to prevent spark risk from the electric system. This procedure is a last resort and will only be used in extreme wildfire weather conditions.
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Emergency Preparedness:
We have emergency action plans that allow Emergency Management to act fast during times of wildfire danger.
Strengthening the Grid
Placing More Lines Underground
We are looking for parts of the overhead lines that are most likely to cause a wildfire and are moving them underground.
Installing Covered Conductors
We are installing covered conductors in high risk areas. This helps to reduce the chance of spark or arcing which would cause a potential ignition due to contact with another conductor, animal, vegetation or any other material.
Installing Protective Line Devices
We are also installing remotely controlled line reclosers to increase ability to control and isolate lines in areas that have high wildfire risk.
Michigan Wildfire Safety: Be Informed & Stay Safe
Fire Preparedness
From the State of Michigan, see how preparing for the hazards and risks of wildfires can protect you and your property.
Fire Safety
Check out safety tips from the Michigan DNR on how you can prevent wildfires.
Fire Management
See how the Michigan DNR’s Wildfire Program protects state and private land.