GOVERNOR MONITORS FIRE IN HELLS
CANYON – URGES COOPERATION

BOISE – Governor Jim Risch urges Idaho Power customers to follow the company’s recommendations if the Foster Gulch Fire Complex in Hells Canyon causes the shutdown of power transmission lines.

Idaho Power has said the fire is threatening two of its main transmission lines. Customers could be without electricity for up to one hour in various areas if the company institutes a rotational power outage.

“Customers of Idaho Power need to be prepared to deal with this serious situation. They are asking for conservation and the turning off of all non-essential appliances,” said Risch. “They are also asking that air conditioners be turned off. Idaho Power needs to reduce the load on the lines and in the event of a rotational power outage it will prevent further problems when full power is restored.”

Governor Risch has been in contact with Idaho Power officials and the Idaho National Guard is monitoring the fire.

The Foster Gulch fire is currently 28,000 acres in size and growing.

###

Return to July Press Releases