Utilities in the Northeast: Adapting to Wildfire Risks

Utilities across the United States are increasingly recognising that wildfire risk is not confined to the western regions. With changing weather patterns and evolving vegetation types, utilities in the Northeast are now facing unique challenges that necessitate tailored wildfire strategies and technologies.

Understanding the Northeast’s Wildfire Landscape

Recent discussions at the Wildfire & Resiliency Strategy Summit have highlighted how utilities like PNM are employing advanced technologies such as Firescape for wildfire risk management in the Southwest. However, the DTECH Northeast conference aims to explore how similar data-driven frameworks can be adapted to the specific conditions found in the Northeast.

During the session titled “Approaches to Wildfire Risk in the Northeast: Situational Awareness and Emergency Management,” Avangrid will share insights on how they have successfully modified wildfire risk models from the West to suit the northeastern environment. To gain a deeper understanding of these adaptations, we spoke with Holly Eagleston, CEO and Founder of Firescape, about the application of their technology in the Northeast and the importance of localized risk modelling.

Differences in Fire Behaviour

One of the key differences between wildfire behaviour in the Northeast and the West lies in the timing and type of fuel available. Eagleston explains that wildfires in the West often occur in areas where vegetation has dried out over extended periods, with severe fire behaviour exacerbated by strong winds. In contrast, the Northeast predominantly features hardwood forests, where the risk of wildfires is concentrated in shorter windows—specifically in spring after snowmelt and in autumn after leaf drop. During these periods, dry leaf litter accumulates on the forest floor, combined with low humidity and wind, creating conditions ripe for fire.

Moreover, the increasing frequency of flash droughts, such as those that contributed to the fall 2024 fires in New York and New Jersey, can escalate the risk dramatically in a matter of days. Although fires in the Northeast may not reach the intensity seen in the West, their proximity to homes and infrastructure poses significant risks.

Shifting Mindsets in Utility Operations

For utilities that have not previously regarded wildfire as a pressing threat, the challenge lies not only in adopting new technologies but also in shifting mindsets. Eagleston emphasises that the first step is recognising wildfire as a legitimate operational concern, rather than dismissing it as a problem exclusive to the West. This cultural shift is crucial, as it involves balancing reliability with safety. On high-risk days, utilities may need to accept a temporary reduction in reliability to prioritise safety.

Additionally, the ownership of wildfire risk management must be clearly defined within utility operations, as it intersects with various departments including operations, protection engineering, vegetation management, and emergency management.

Creating a Roadmap for Wildfire Risk Management

When establishing a wildfire risk management programme, utilities can begin by focusing on operational aspects. Eagleston suggests that utilities should assess when risk levels are elevated, identify which parts of their systems are affected, and develop clear protocols for response. This foundational work can be conducted within existing operating budgets, allowing utilities to implement protective measures in the first season.

By gathering data on high-risk conditions and the effectiveness of protective settings, utilities can build a case for future capital investments based on empirical evidence rather than speculative requests. This approach allows for a more strategic allocation of resources over time.

Lessons from Western Utility Models

Avangrid’s evaluation of wildfire risk management strategies from Western utilities has revealed that while the overarching framework can be adapted, the specifics must be tailored to local conditions. Eagleston notes that direct transfers of Western fire-weather thresholds, fuel assumptions, and fire season timings do not apply to the Northeast. Furthermore, customer and regulatory tolerance for outages varies significantly, necessitating a localised approach to risk assessment.

The most significant takeaway from this adaptation process has been the importance of using local climatology data to establish regional thresholds for high wildfire risk. This data-driven approach enables utilities to model wildfire behaviour and consequences more accurately, rather than relying solely on weather patterns.

Operational Case Studies and Pilot Results

During the DTECH Northeast session, Eagleston will present specific operational case studies and pilot results from the Firescape tool. This will include a detailed examination of how operational protocols for wildfire protection settings were established and how the tool facilitated enhanced communication across the organisation, ultimately leading to a reduction in wildfire risk.

For instance, during a recent pilot, operators received circuit-by-circuit, hour-by-hour forecasts that enabled them to make informed decisions about where to halt work and disable reclosing during a Red Flag Warning. This proactive approach exemplifies how utilities can leverage existing assets and situational awareness tools to enhance their wildfire preparedness.

Key Takeaways for Utility Teams

Attendees of the DTECH Northeast session will leave with a crucial insight: significant capital investment is not a prerequisite for initiating wildfire protection measures. Utilities can begin utilising existing assets and implementing a granular situational awareness tool that incorporates wildfire consequence modelling. This operational readiness can be achieved within a single season, with capital investments following the data-driven insights gained from initial efforts.

As the Northeast grapples with the increasing threat of wildfires, the need for utilities to adapt their strategies and embrace innovative technologies has never been more critical. By fostering a culture of preparedness and leveraging local data, utilities can enhance their resilience against this evolving risk.

Source: Renewable Energy World