It is devasting to see and hear about the impacts of the Holiday Farm Fire in the McKenzie Valley. The loss of life and destruction of homes, businesses, livelihoods, and the natural environment is saddening. All of us at EWEB express our heartfelt compassion for the residents of the McKenzie Valley, who will need our ongoing help and support.

EWEB serves thousands of homes and businesses in heavily forested areas that are at increased risk of wildfire, including the South Hills of Eugene and the McKenzie River Valley. In addition, wildfires can cause direct physical damage to utility infrastructure such as power lines, substations and our hydro generation projects in the McKenzie Valley. Wildfire can also have potential impacts on the water quality of the McKenzie River, our sole source of drinking water.

As the climate crisis creates hotter and dryer summers with longer wildfire seasons, the overall risk of climate fires is increasing. To help keep customers and communities safe, EWEB is taking steps to improve the safety of our electric system and reduce wildfire risks.