20260129APPLICATION.pdf

C11—E-26'01 RECEIVED
January 29, 2026
IDAHO PUBLIC
From: Mike Christensen UTILITIES COMMISSION
To: secretary
Cc: Donn English;Jason Talford; Kimberly Loskot;Chad Black
Subject: Wildfire Mitigation Plan Order No.36774 Email# la
Date: Thursday,January 29,2026 4:01:10 PM
Attachments: imaae002.Dna
Raft River Electric WIldland Fire Protection Plan revised 2025.docx
Notice of Filina Letter2.docx
CAUTION:This email originated outside the State of Idaho network.Verify links and attachments BEFORE you
click or open,even if you recognize and/or trust the sender.Contact your agency service desk with any
concerns.
Dear Commission Secretary,
Please consider this email as notification that Raft River Rural Electric Co-op Inc. desires to file the
company's Wildfire Mitigation Plan with the Idaho Public Utility Commission for review. Due to the
size of the files, this will be sent in 2 separate emails.
I have attached the updated Raft River Electric Wildland Fire Protection Plan. I have also included
Notice of Filing Letter2 that contains a copy of the Company's letter, including a list of entities to
which the notice is being provided.
I will send Raft River Electric Wildland Fire Protection Plan Appendices that goes with it as a separate
email now since it has not been going through.
will be sending another email with the following included: Electric Municipality and Cooperative
Wildfire Mitigation Plan Need to Know Document. Along with the Need to Know document there are
a few attachments that go along with it. These other attachments are the Whole System Map 2025
Zoomable.pdf, Raft River Audit Report 2022.pdf, Final2023 Audit Report.pdf, and Final Audit Report
2024.pdf.
Please let me know that you have received these two emails and notify me if you have any
questions. Thank you.
Mike Christensen
Operations Superintendent
F R FCC
�9
n
208-645-2911 Direct
208-645-2211 Office
800-342-7732 Toll Free&After Hours
Fax

208-645-2300
Raft River Rural Electric Co-op, Inc.
P.O. Box 617- 155 North Main- Malta, ID 83342
mchristensen(@rrelectric.com
www.rrelectric.com
Office Hours: 7:OOam—5:30 pm (Monday—Thursday)
Confidentiality Notice:This e-mail message,including any attachments,is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s)and may contain confidential and privileged information.Any
unauthorized review,copy,use,disclosure or distribution is prohibited.If you are not the intended recipient,please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original
message.

From: Mike Christensen
To: secretary
Cc: Donn English;Jason Talford; Kimberly Loskot;Chad Black
Subject: Wildfire Mitigation Plan Order No.36774 Email#lb
Date: Thursday,January 29,2026 4:12:01 PM
Attachments: imaae002.Dna
Raft River Electric Wildland Fire Protection Plan ADDendices FINAL 122021(reduced).7z
CAUTION:This email originated outside the State of Idaho network.Verifv links and attachments BEFORE you
click or open,even if you recognize and/or trust the sender.Contact your agency service desk with any
concerns.
Dear Commission Secretary,
I have previously attached the updated Raft River Electric Wildland Fire Protection Plan and Notice of
Filing Letter2 that contains a copy of the Company's letter, including a list of entities to which the
notice is being provided.
In this email I have attached Raft River Electric Wildland Fire Protection Plan Appendices that
goes with email #1a.
already sent over Email#2 with the following included: Electric Municipality and Cooperative
Wildfire Mitigation Plan Need to Know Document. Along with the Need to Know document there are
a few attachments that go along with it. These other attachments are the Whole System Map 2025
Zoomable.pdf, Raft River Audit Report 2022.pdf, Final2023 Audit Report.pdf, and Final Audit Report
2024.pdf.
Please let me know that you have received these two emails and notify me if you have any
questions. Thank you.
Mike Christensen
Operations Superintendent
4~,q.`vER f�t
!p
n
208-645-2911 Direct
208-645-2211 Office
800-342-7732 Toll Free&After Hours
208-645-2300 Fax
Raft River Rural Electric Co-op, Inc.
P.O. Box 617- 155 North Main- Malta, ID 83342
mchristensen(@rrelectric.com

www.rrelectric.com
Office Hours: 7:OOam—5:30 pm (Monday—Thursday)
Confidentiality Notice:This e-mail message,including any attachments,is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s)and may contain confidential and privileged information.Any
unauthorized review,copy,use,disclosure or distribution is prohibited.If you are not the intended recipient,please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original
message.

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative
Wildland Fire Protection Plan
OCTOBER 2025
C'
� � n
PREPARED FOR
Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative
PREPARED BY
SWCA Environmental Consultants

RAFT RIVER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
WILDLAND FIRE PROTECTION PLAN
Prepared for
Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative
155 North Main
Malta, Idaho 83342
Attn: Chad Black
Prepared by
Victoria Amato, M.S., Arianna Porter, M.S.,
Anne Russell, B.S. and Breanna Plucinski, B.S.
SWCA Environmental Consultants
295 Interlocken Blvd Ste 300
Broomfield, Colorado 80021
[phone]
www.swca.com
SWCA Project No. 64125
October 2025

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
CONTENTS
IIntroduction..........................................................................................................................................I
1.1 Organization of the Wildland Fire Protection Plan...................................................................... 1
2 Overview of the Plan............................................................................................................................4
2.1 Policy Statement...........................................................................................................................4
2.1.1 Idaho...................................................................................................................................4
2.1.2 Nevada................................................................................................................................4
2.1.3 Utah.....................................................................................................................................4
2.2 Purpose of the Wildland Fire Protection Plan..............................................................................4
2.2.1 Objectives of the Wildland Fire Protection Plan................................................................5
2.3 Wildfire Prevention Strategies and Protocols...............................................................................5
2.4 Identifying Unnecessary or Ineffective Actions...........................................................................6
2.5 Existing Wildfire Planning Efforts within the Service Area........................................................6
2.5.1 Internal................................................................................................................................6
2.5.2 External...............................................................................................................................7
2.5.3 County-Scale Community Fire Planning.......................................................................... 10
2.5.4 State Land......................................................................................................................... 11
2.5.5 Federal Land..................................................................................................................... 13
2.5.6 Hazardous Fuel Treatment Projects.................................................................................. 15
2.6 Emergency Management and Response-Roles and Responsibilities......................................... 15
2.6.1 Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative.............................................................................. 15
2.6.2 Coordination with Outside Entities................................................................................... 17
3 Risk Analysis.......................................................................................................................................21
3.1 Wildfires.....................................................................................................................................22
3.1.1 Fire History.......................................................................................................................22
3.1.2 Vegetation Communities..................................................................................................23
3.1.3 Fuels..................................................................................................................................26
3.1.4 Topography and Land Use................................................................................................27
3.1.5 Weather.............................................................................................................................30
3.1.6 Fire Behavior....................................................................................................................33
3.2 Other Natural Disasters for Nevada............................................................................................33
3.2.1 Avalanche.........................................................................................................................33
3.2.2 Dam Failure......................................................................................................................34
3.2.3 Drought.............................................................................................................................34
3.2.4 Earthquake........................................................................................................................34
3.2.5 Landslide...........................................................................................................................34
3.2.6 Severe Weather.................................................................................................................35
3.2.7 Windstorm ........................................................................................................................35
3.2.8 Wildfire.............................................................................................................................35
3.3 Analysis Approach.....................................................................................................................35
3.4 Risk Assessment and Action Plan..............................................................................................35
4 Wildfire Prevention Strategies and Protocols..................................................................................36
4.1 Inspection Procedures.................................................................................................................36
4.1.1 Inspection Schedule..........................................................................................................36
4.1.2 Documentation..................................................................................................................36
4.1.3 On-site Repair...................................................................................................................36

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
4.1.4 Responsibility...................................................................................................................37
4.1.5 Recommendation..............................................................................................................37
4.2 Wood Pole Test Program............................................................................................................37
4.3 Vegetation Management Protocols.............................................................................................37
4.3.1 Federal Regulatory Requirements.....................................................................................37
4.3.2 Procedure..........................................................................................................................39
4.3.3 Inspection Standards.........................................................................................................40
4.3.4 Clearance Standards..........................................................................................................41
4.3.5 Responsibility...................................................................................................................41
4.3.6 Recommendations.............................................................................................................42
4.4 System Improvements ................................................................................................................43
4.4.1 Raptor Protocols ...............................................................................................................43
4.4.2 Powerline Construction Procedures..................................................................................43
4.4.3 Data Acquisition...............................................................................................................43
4.4.4 System Improvement Schedule.........................................................................................43
4.4.5 System Hardening.............................................................................................................44
4.5 Emergency Restoration and Disaster Recovery Guidelines.......................................................45
4.5.1 De-energizing Protocols ...................................................................................................45
4.6 Restoration of Service ................................................................................................................46
4.6.1 Response Teams ...............................................................................................................48
4.6.2 Work Location Prioritization............................................................................................48
4.6.3 Resource Utilization.........................................................................................................49
5 Situational Awareness........................................................................................................................49
5.1 Recommendations ......................................................................................................................49
6 Communications.................................................................................................................................50
6.1 Internal communications ............................................................................................................50
6.2 External Communications ..........................................................................................................50
6.2.1 Recommendations.............................................................................................................51
7 Plan Implementation..........................................................................................................................51
8 Literature Cited..................................................................................................................................53
Appendices
Appendix A. Mapping
Appendix B. Wildfire Behavior Analysis Approach
Appendix C. Risk Analysis
Appendix D. Nevada Legislation
Appendix E. Utah Legislation
Appendix F. Emergency Response Plan(ERP) Contacts

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
Figures
Figure 1. General project location, showing RREC's infrastructure, service area, and land
ownership...................................................................................................................................3
Figure 2.National Land Cover classifications within the RREC service territory.....................................25
Figure 3. Daily temperature extremes and averages for Malta,Idaho........................................................30
Figure 4.Monthly average precipitation for Malta,Idaho..........................................................................31
Figure 5. Daily temperature extremes and averages for Jackpot,Nevada..................................................31
Figure 6.Monthly average precipitation for Jackpot,Nevada....................................................................32
Figure 7. Daily temperature extremes and averages for Rosette,Utah.......................................................32
Figure 8.Monthly average precipitation for Rosette,Utah. .......................................................................33
Figure9. ROW clearing guide....................................................................................................................41
Figure 10. Industry best practice for emergency response and restoration of electrical service during
andfollowing a wildfire...........................................................................................................47
Tables
Table 1. RREC Service Area Statistics......................................................................................................... 1
Table 2. Community Wildfire Protection Plans.......................................................................................... 10
Table3. Strategy Leads............................................................................................................................... 16
Table 4. Land Ownership within the Cassia County Fire Protection District............................................. 18
Table 5. Scott and Burgan Fuel Model Composition within the 0.25-mile Corridor for all RREC
Lines.........................................................................................................................................26
Table 6. Fuel Model Descriptions...............................................................................................................27
Table 7. System Improvement Schedule.....................................................................................................44
Table 8. Anticipated expenditures to implement the Plan..........................................................................52
Hi

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
1 INTRODUCTION
Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative(RREC)is an electrical distribution cooperative that was formed on
January 17, 1939. RREC serves areas in southern Idaho,northwestern Utah, and northeastern Nevada,
supplying service to over 5,000 electric meters,with lines spanning 2,400 miles(Figure 1). Because of the
rural nature of the cooperative,there are only 2 meters for every mile of line,presenting a unique set of
challenges,both operationally and economically.
As a cooperative,RREC is owned by those served, so revenue is reported as margins that members own,
which incentivizes the organization to be as efficient as possible, collecting only enough in rates to cover
power costs and distribution expenses,with the goal of keeping rates as low as possible yet maintaining
and building adequate infrastructure to provide reliable and affordable electrical service.
Table 1. RREC Service Area Statistics
Miles of Miles of Miles of Number of Number of
County,State Area Transmission Overhead Underground Substations Members
Distribution Distribution
Cassia County, ID Approximately 90 miles of 138 KV 950 90 11 2674
1500 square
miles
Minidoka County, N/A 1 mile of 138 KV 0 0 0 0
ID
Oneida County, ID Approximately 0 45 2 0 68
100 square
miles
Owyhee County,ID Approximately 65 miles of 138 KV 50 2 1 167
120 square
miles
Power County, ID Approximately 5 miles of 138 KV 40 8 0 84
50 square miles
Twin Falls County, N/A 0 1 0 0 0
ID
Elko County, NV Approximately 9 miles of 69 KV 348 27 2 1893
1700 square
miles
Box Elder County, Approximately 80 miles of 138-kV 425 75 3 727
UT 2,300 square transmission
miles
1 .1 Organization of the Wildland Fire Protection Plan
The Plan includes the following sections:
Section 2: Overview of the Plan
Section 3: Risk Analysis
Section 4: Wildfire Prevention Strategies and Protocols
Section 5: Situational Awareness
Section 6: Communications
Section 7: Plan Implementation
1

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
Appendix A: Mapping
Appendix B: Wildfire Behavior Analysis Approach
Appendix C: Risk Analysis
Appendix D: Nevada Legislation
Appendix E: Utah Legislation
Appendix F: Emergency Response Plan Contacts
2

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
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General Location N I\ Nv
- Line �� State National Park Service(NPS) NAD 1983 UTM Zone 11N n
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Figure 1. General project location, showing RREC's infrastructure, service area, and land ownership.
3

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
2 OVERVIEW OF THE PLAN
2.1 Policy Statement
2.1.1 Idaho
While there is no Idaho state direction requiring electric utility companies to develop a wildland fire
protection plan or similar document, RREC is being proactive by developing this wildland fire protection
plan(Plan)to incorporate the Idaho service territory.
2.1.2 Nevada
On May 22,2019,the Governor approved Senate Bill No. 329,which revises provisions relating to the
prevention of natural disasters. This bill requires that electric utility companies submit a natural disaster
protection plan to the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada and provides guiding measures for other
matters related to such a plan. The bill requires that electric utilities submit a natural disaster protection
plan on or before June 1 of every third year. A natural disaster protection plan must contain procedures
and protocols relating to the efforts of the electric utility to prevent or respond to a fire or other natural
disaster.' Raft River will adhere to all provisions in the Senate Bill as outlined in Appendix D to this
document. For the Nevada portions of this plan,RREC addresses wildfire risk and the risk of other
natural disasters in the vicinity of its Nevada infrastructure. More detailed information on the state
legislation is included in Appendix D.
2.1.3 Utah
Given recent increases in wildfire frequency and severity throughout Utah,on March 28,2020,the
Governor signed House Bill 66, Wildland Fire Planning and Cost Recovery, a law that grants the Public
Service Commission rulemaking authority to enact rules establishing procedures for the review and
approval of wildland fire protection plans. The law requires qualified utility and electric cooperatives to
prepare and submit for approval a wildland fire protection plan in accordance with the requirements
outlined in the bill.2 More detailed information regarding the state legislation is included in Appendix E.
2.2 Purpose of the Wildland Fire Protection Plan
This Plan describes the range of activities that RREC is taking or considering to prevent,mitigate, and
respond to the threat of powerline-ignited wildfire,including the protocols and procedures that RREC
would undertake, as well as industry best practices. This Plan aligns directly with the Raft River
Emergency Response Plan,developed by RREC in 2019 as well as other internal planning and procedures
that guide daily operations for the Cooperative.
The Plan complies with the requirements outlined under Nevada Senate Bill No. 329 and Utah House Bill
66 (Appendices D and E,respectively). The Utah portion of this Plan was originally prepared in June
2020, and the Nevada and Idaho portions of this Plan were prepared in spring and summer 2021. The Plan
will be reviewed every 3 years thereafter. The final plan has been reviewed by all pertinent agencies.
The Plan was duly revised and adopted by the RREC Board of Directors on October 22,2025.
' Senate Bill 329:https://www.leg.state.nv.us/Session/80th20l9/Bills/SB/SB329.pdf
2 House Bill 66:https:Hle.utah.gov/-2020/bills/static/HB0066.html
4

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
The Plan has been written to inform the future development of an Operating Agreement for RREC that
encompasses vegetation management and operations and maintenance direction on federal right-of-way
(ROW). The planned development of the RREC Agreement is in response to new directives issued by the
U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Interior for implementing Section 512 of the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act(FLPMA). Section 512 and its implementing regulations
govern the development,review, and approval of proposed operating plans and agreements for vegetation
management, inspection, and operation and maintenance of electric transmission and distribution line
facilities(powerline facilities)on National Forest System(NFS)and Bureau of Reclamation land. Section
512 operating plans and agreements apply inside the linear ROW for powerline facilities and on NFS and
Bureau of Land Management(BLM)land adjacent to either side of the ROW as provided for in the
directive(USDA 2020).
2.2.1 Objectives of the Wildland Fire Protection Plan
"Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.'s objective is to take a proactive approach to safeguard
against an emergency event that may significantly impact the customers we serve. This would include the
training of all personnel to aid in the successful planning for, and response to, such an event.
The focus would first be to ensure safety to all employees and the public, then to quickly and accurately
assess damages caused by the emergency, and finally to restore service as safely, quickly and efficiently
as possible."(RREC Emergency Response Plan,December 2019,page 3)
RREC's overarching goal is to provide safe,reliable, and economic electric service to its members.
In order to meet this goal,RREC routinely constructs, operates, and maintains its electrical lines and
equipment in a manner that minimizes the risk of catastrophic wildfire posed by its electrical lines and
equipment. The following outlines the objectives for wildfire mitigation identified in this document.
2.2.1.1 MINIMIZING SOURCES OF IGNITION
The goal of this Plan is to assess and minimize the probability that the RREC transmission and
distribution system may contribute to or be the origin of a wildfire ignition. In addition,the Plan identifies
measures to be taken to protect the system from wildfire damage to secure service for RREC members.
2.2.1.2 RESILIENCY OF THE ELECTRIC SYSTEM
An additional goal of this Plan is to ensure long-term resilience of the RREC electric grid. Through
implementing this Plan,RREC will be able to assess industry best practices and technologies that are
designed to be implemented to reduce the potential for a service interruption and improve and facilitate
restoration of service.
2.2.1.3 ADHERENCE TO REGULATIONS
This Plan has been developed in response to a series of new regulations for wildfire mitigation and
wildfire resilience at the state levels. RREC is committed to adequately meet responsibilities to all
regulatory agencies.
2.3 Wildfire Prevention Strategies and Protocols
This Plan details a number of wildfire prevention strategies and protocols that are designed to prevent
and/or mitigate the threat of wildfire to system infrastructure and to communities who depend on RREC
service. These are described in more detail in Section 4.
5

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
• Vegetation Management—Measures to control vegetation near overhead transmission lines and
clearance specifications, as well as hazardous fuels information to reduce potential wildfire
spread.
• Enhanced Inspections—Assessment and diagnostic activities and mitigating actions. Inspections
would focus on ensuring all infrastructure is in working condition and that vegetation clearance
specifications are maintained.
• Situation Awareness—Methods to improve system awareness and environmental conditions.
• Operational Practices—Mitigating actions that are taken on a day-to-day basis to reduce
wildfire risks. These actions prepare RREC for high-risk periods, associated with heavy winds
and dry conditions.
• System Hardening—Technical and system upgrades aimed at reducing potential contact
between infrastructure and fuel sources and making the system more resilient to wildfire and
other natural disasters.
• Procedures for De-energization and Reclosing—Conditions under which lines may be de-
energized to reduce wildfire risk or protect people and/or equipment during a wildfire incident,
and the conditions for restoring service after the risk has abated.
• Wildfire Response and Recovery—Procedures for wildfire response in order to formalize
protocols in the event of an ignition.
• Public Safety and Notification—Measures for engaging the community in identifying and
reducing wildfire risk. Includes public warnings and notifications in the interest of public safety.
2.4 Identifying Unnecessary or Ineffective Actions
This Plan should be revised every 3 years.As part of the revision process,RREC will monitor the
effectiveness of the wildfire mitigation strategies within this document to assess the merits of the
modifications and to implement adaptive management to improve future results. During the annual review
process,RREC should also update mitigation strategies through review of industry best practices.
2.5 Existing Wildfire Planning Efforts within the Service
Area
2.5.1 Internal
In the spring and summer of 2020,RREC developed a wildland fire protection plan in response to Utah
House Bill 66,that outlines wildfire risk and wildfire mitigation protocols across the Utah service
territory. This Plan is a revision of that wildland fire protection plan to incorporate the entire service
territory of RREC,to include the Idaho and Nevada service territories.
In 2019,RREC developed an Emergency Response and Disaster Recovery Plan(ERP)to meet Rural
Utilities Services (RUS)Rules and Regulations(7 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 1730), and
Department of Homeland Security requirements. The objectives of the ERP are the following:
• Plan for natural and human-made emergencies that may have an impact on the electrical grid,
such as fires, storms, earthquakes,or any other disturbances.
6

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
• Respond rapidly and effectively to protect the public and to restore utility service following such
emergencies.
• Help to alleviate hardships caused by the emergencies.
• Assist communities in returning to normal activity.
The ERP outlines roles and responsibilities during an emergency, emergency restoration and disaster
recovery guidelines, and emergency contact information across all three states. This Plan builds upon and
aligns with the ERP to provide more specific guidance for wildfire protection and mitigation and response
to wildfire and other natural disasters(in Nevada).
Additional relevant RREC plans,procedures, and protocols are incorporated by reference in this Plan.
2.5.2 External
The Plan is designed to align with wildfire mitigation goals identified in other existing land management
plans already in place in the service area. The service area covers Cassia County,Oneida County,
Owyhee County, and Power County,Idaho; Elko County,Nevada; and Box Elder County,Utah.While
small portions of RREC infrastructure are located in Twin Falls,Blaine,and Minidoka Counties, Idaho,
these areas are marginal and wildfire planning efforts in these counties are not described below.
Within the RREC service area are numerous communities at risk from wildfire,which are referenced in both
the Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR)Utah Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal(UWRAP)3 and the
Nevada Natural Resources and Fire Information Portal(NRFIP). Idaho does not currently have a similar
resource to these risk assessment portals,but Communities at Risk from wildfire in Idaho can be found in
spatial format through the U.S. Geological Survey.'All of these communities at risk may have specific
wildfire mitigation measures proposed under municipal and county planning documents.
2.5.2.1 COUNTY LAND
2.5.2.1.1 Idaho
Following the 2000 record-breaking wildfire season, Congress approved funds for the National Fire Plan
to help local communities implement strategies to reduce and/or prevent the effects of wildland fires.
In 2004,the State of Idaho adopted a Statewide Implementation Strategy for the National Fire Plan.
The state took a collaborative approach between local, state/regional,tribal, and national levels of
response. Each county requested to write their own wildland fire mitigation plan including a wildland-
urban interface(WUI)risk assessment,mitigation strategies,processes to monitor and maintain the plan,
and signatures from the involved officials. For each county in Idaho,the county-specific Wildland Fire
Interagency Group prepared a WUI Wildland Fire Mitigation Plan.
The RREC Idaho service territory is located primarily in four counties in Idaho: Cassia, Owyhee,Oneida,
and Power. Wildfire planning efforts in those counties are described below.
Cassia County, Idaho
The population of Cassia County was estimated at 24,030 people as of 2019 (U.S. Census Bureau 2019).
The majority of the population lives in rural areas,including Burley,which houses 44%of residents in the
3 Utah DNR Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal:https://wildfirerisk.utah.gov/
'https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/item/4fc6482ce4bOfD2cld6a7fa8
7

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
county. Most residents practice some form of agriculture. Cassia County completed its Wildland Fire
Hazard Mitigation Plan in August of 2004(North Wind 2004a). The purpose of this plan was to identify
and reduce wildfire risks, enhance fire suppression and response,encourage fire-adapted ecosystems,and
create a plan in accordance with the Idaho Statewide Implementation Strategy for the National Fire Plan
(North Wind 2004a). This plan includes a general overview of the county, existing conditions and
resources, and a mitigation plan for all seven fire protection districts within the county. Recommended
mitigation strategies include adding fuel breaks,developing and maintaining mowed ROWS, and
improving communication systems(North Wind 2004a).
Owyhee County, Idaho
As of 2019,the population of Owyhee County was estimated at 11,823 people (U.S. Census Bureau
2019). The county incorporates three communities: Grand View,Marsing, and Homedale. It is
predominantly a rural area,with nearly 30% of the population working in the agricultural sector,
specifically in cattle dairies and feedlots. Much of the land in the county is federally owned. Wildfires
that affect private land usually start on federal land. These fires can also have a large impact on the
county's economy through impacts to permitted grazing and ranching operations on federal land.
The WUI Wildfire Mitigation Plan for Owyhee County was finalized in March of 2005 (Northwest
Management 2005). The plan was created to provide a guideline for protecting citizens, infrastructure,
and ecosystems from the threat of wildland fire. Subjects addressed within the plan include vegetation and
climate profiles,wildfire hazard profiles, fire behaviors models, communities at risk, firefighting
capabilities,mitigation recommendations,issues faced,and treatment recommendations (Northwest
Management 2005). Goals outlined in this plan include establishing mitigation priorities and strategies,
prioritizing protection,lessening the area of burned land, and educating communities. Mitigation
activities recommended for Owyhee County include livestock grazing,fuels reduction projects,watershed
research,public education,and fire personnel training(Northwest Management 2005).
In 2018,the Owyhee County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan was updated. The purpose of
this plan is to identify hazards that may impact the county and provide both short-and long-term actions
that reduce risk and loss associated with said disasters(Owyhee County 2018). The plan provides a
county profile,risk assessment, and mitigation strategy goals and actions. Wildfire was ranked as the
highest risk for Owyhee County. Mitigation actions recommended in regard to wildfire include
developing a formal WUl advisory committee,planning and implementing hazardous fuels reduction
projects and community defensible space programs,and utilizing controlled burns(Owyhee County
2018).
Oneida County, Idaho
In 2019,the population of Oneida County was estimated at 4,531 people (U.S. Census Bureau 2019).
Approximately 52% of the county population resides in Malad City,while the remaining 48%reside in
other rural communities.
The Oneida County Wildland Fire Hazard Mitigation Plan was completed in September of 2004.
The purpose of this plan is to identify and reduce wildfire risks,enhance fire suppression and response,
encourage fire-adapted ecosystems, and create a plan in accordance with the Idaho Statewide
Implementation Strategy for the National Fire Plan(North Wind 2004b). This plan includes a general
overview of the county, existing conditions and resources, and mitigation recommendations for Oneida
County as a whole and the Oneida Fire District.Recommended mitigation strategies include continuing
public education, adding fuel breaks, developing mutual aid agreements, and improving communication
systems (North Wind 2004b).
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
Power County, Idaho
There were an estimated 7,681 people living in Power County in 2019 (U.S. Census Bureau 2019).
Approximately 55%of the population lives in American Falls,while the remainder lives in other rural
communities. The Power County Wildland Fire Mitigation Plan was prepared in February of 2004
(Dynamac Corporation 2004). This plan was created to prioritize protection of life,property,resources,
and values. The plan includes a county profile,hazard identification, location, and risk, as well as
mitigation goals, strategy, and implementation(Dynamac Corporation 2004). Mitigation goals listed
include increasing dispatch communication capabilities,increasing fire district resources,reducing fuels
buildup,creating defensible space, encouraging community education and involvement, and applying
fuels treatment(Dynamac Corporation 2004).
Power County also updated their Comprehensive Plan in 2018. This plan acts as a guide to aid the County
in making decisions and maintaining Power County's natural amenities(Power County 2018). Goals
specific to wildfire include decreasing development within areas at high risk to wildfire,protecting water
resources and ensuring their availability, and maintaining clean air(Power County 2018).
2.5.2.1.2 Nevada
In 2005,the Nevada Fire Safe Council completed the Nevada Community Wildfire Risk/Hazard
Assessment Project in all Nevada counties (Resource Concepts Inc. [RCI] 2020). This led to the
completion of 239 risk and hazard assessments for at-risk communities. The purpose of this project was to
identify risks and hazards within Nevada communities and,in turn,provide hazard reduction and land
management recommendations specific to each community(RCI 2005).
Elko County, Nevada
The estimated population of Elko County is 52,778 people as of 2019 (U.S. Census Bureau 2019).
The majority of this population lives in rural communities.
In 2005,the Nevada Community Wildfire Risk/Hazard Assessment Project for Elko County was
completed(RCI 2005).Within Elko County,three communities were listed as"extreme hazard"and
13 communities were listed as"high hazard"with regard to wildfire risk. General recommendations to
mitigate wildfire risk included reduction of flammable vegetation,increased community awareness and
education, and fire suppression agency coordination. Recommendations specific to utilities included
guidelines for clearing vegetation near utility poles and power stations,maintaining vegetation clearance
within utility corridors, and removal of trees beneath powerlines (RCI 2005).
In May 2008,the Landscape-Scale Wildland Fire Risk/Hazard/Value Assessment was completed for Elko
County. This plan was created as a companion document to the above-mentioned Nevada Community
Wildfire Risk/Hazard Assessment Project. Both documents are to be used to aid priorities and implement
fuels reduction projects in Elko County. The 2008 plan includes a landscape-scale wildland fire
risk/hazard/value assessment for the entire county to assess the threat of wildfire to property, life, and
resources on any land that was not previously accounted for during the 2005 effort. There is no mention
of electric utilities in this plan. General mitigation goals are for firefighter and public safety,hazardous
fuel reduction,risk reduction of wildland fire on isolated areas adjacent to federal land,restoration of
healthy ecosystems, coordination of efforts to acquire funding, and protection of economies and
infrastructure. Treatment options are detailed in the plan to accomplish these goals(Wildland Fire
Associates 2007).
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
In 2014,Elko County developed their Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan with an overarching
goal of creating a cohesive document to discuss hazards of the county and streamline the administrative
process if a disaster occurs(Elko County 2014). This plan defines valuable assets of the county,defines
potential natural disasters within the area,discusses how to prepare for natural hazards, and discusses how
to prevent or lessen the impacts of hazards with mitigation strategies (Elko County 2014).
In 2019,the Elko County Office of Emergency Management completed an Emergency Operations Plan.
This plan establishes roles and responsibilities during incidents, emergencies, and disasters to reduce the
consequences of emergencies and improve resiliency in the county. In addition to establishing roles and
responsibilities,the plan identifies resources for an emergency and steps to address concerns during
response and recovery(Elko County Office of Emergency Management 2019).
2.5.2.1.3 Utah
Box Elder County, Utah
It is estimated that Box Elder County has a population of approximately 9,429 people as of 2017,
the majority of whom live in cities and towns (Utah DNR 2019).
In 2019,Box Elder County developed a County Wildfire Preparedness Plan to empower local
governments and citizens to enhance community safety and resilience to wildfire(Box Elder County
2019).Utilities are identified as a protected value that is at risk to wildfires. More generally,the plan
assesses past efforts and future goals related to increased community wildfire protection. In the past,
outreach and education regarding wildfire issues, along with first responder trainings and fuel reduction
activities,have been strong. County goals include continued outreach and first responder trainings and
increased firebreak maintenance and fuel reduction activities(Box Elder County 2019).
The small community of Grouse Creek is in the northwest corner of Box Elder County and has, as of
2016, approximately 120 residents.In 2016, Grouse Creek developed a community wildfire protection
plan(CWPP)that identifies, among others,these priority projects: creation and maintenance of a fuel
break around Grouse Greek, fuels reduction within the community and on adjacent public land, improved
emergency communications systems,and public outreach and education(Grouse Creek Community
2016). The Box Elder County and Grouse Creek CWPPs are not available online.However,the 2007
Northern Utah Regional Wildfire Protection Plan is available online and covers Box Elder County, along
with Cache,Davis,Morgan,Rich, Salt Lake, Summit,Tooele,Utah,Wasatch, and Weber Counties.
2.5.3 County-Scale Community Fire Planning
Table 2 outlines the CWPPs in the RREC service area and their estimated timelines for updates. It is
recommended that RREC participates in these plan updates as appropriate. These processes will aid in
ensuring that RREC's wildfire planning efforts are aligned with external wildfire mitigation efforts in
their service area.
Table 2. Community Wildfire Protection Plans
Plan Name Planning Area Renewal Timeline URL
Cassia County Wildland Fire Cassia County, Idaho Past due(2009) https://scholarsbank.uoregon.edu/xmlui/bit
Hazard Mitigation Plan stream/handle/1794/17676/ID 031 Cassi
a 2004.pdf?seauence=1&isAllowed=y
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Plan Name Planning Area Renewal Timeline URL
Oneida County Wildland Fire Oneida County, Idaho Past due(2009) hfti)s:Hscholarsbank.uoregon.edu/xmlui/bit
Hazard Mitigation Plan stream/handle/1794/17702/ID 071 Oneid
a 2004.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=v
Owyhee County WUI Wildfire Owyhee County, Idaho Past due(2010) https://scholarsbank.uoregon.edu/xmlui/bit
Mitigation Plan stream/handle/1794/17703/ID 073 Owvh
ee 2005.pdf?sequence=1&isAl lowed=v
Power County Wildland Fire Power County, Idaho Past due(2009) Not publicly available
Mitigation Plan
Box Elder County Community Box Elder County,Nevada Due in 2024 Not publicly available
Wildfire Protection Plan
Nevada Community Wildfire Elko County, Nevada Past due(2010) htti)s://www.rci-nv.com/reports/elko/
Risk/Hazard Assessment
Project:Elko County
Landscape-Scale Wildland Elko County, Nevada Past due(2013) hftp://forestry.nv.gov/wp-
Fire Risk/Hazard/Value content/uploads/2013/12/Elko-
Assessment:Elko County Assessment-Final.pdf
Northern Utah Regional Box Elder,Cache,Davis, Past due(2012) hftps://digitallibrary.utah.gov/awweb/awarc
Wildfire Protection Plan Morgan, Rich,Salt Lake, hive?item=31610
Summit,Tooele,Utah,
Wasatch,and Weber
Counties,Utah
Grouse Creek Community Grouse Creek,Utah Due in 2021 Not publicly available
Wildfire Protection Plan
2.5.4 State Land
2.5.4.1 IDAHO
In 2016,the Idaho Fire Chiefs Association revised their Idaho Fire Service Resource Response Plan.
This plan was created for state and local agencies as an organized resource for mobilization,deployment,
and management of fire and fire response resources. The plan outlines organizational structure and
responsibilities, deployment of resources, documentation, and logistical support(Idaho Fire Chiefs
Association 2016).
In 2017,the Idaho Office of Emergency Management published the Idaho Emergency Operations Plan.
This plan was developed to organize disaster response by outlining disaster response protocols,
identifying roles and responsibilities, and describing mitigation resources available(Idaho Office of
Emergency Management 2017). Firefighting response for fires on state land that have exceeded the
capacity of local response is outlined in the Emergency Support Function#4 Annex within the plan
(Idaho Office of Emergency Management 2017).
In 2020,the Idaho Department of Lands created the Idaho Forest Action Plan(FAP). The FAP was
divided into two sections. The first section,the FAP Resource Assessment,takes inventory and provides
analysis of Idaho forests while determining areas of priority for treatment. The second section,the FAP
Resource Strategy,uses the Resource Assessment findings to outline strategies that restore,enhance,and
protect forest resources (Idaho Department of Lands 2020). The Resource Assessment addresses various
forest threats such as insect infestations, diseases,fire risk, and climate change. The Resource Strategy
couples knowledge of the previously mentioned forest threats with priority areas to create goals and
strategies specific to Idaho forests. A few of the goals listed include ensuring Idaho forests are resilient to
climactic changes,prioritizing care for forests that provide high ecosystem benefit,and ensuring the
forests are more resilient to human activity(Idaho Department of Lands 2020).
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
In 2020,the Idaho Office of Emergency Management updated its 2018 State Hazard Mitigation Plan.
The plan used 47 hazard mitigation plans from counties and/or tribes to form one cohesive document for
the state. The plan identifies threats and hazards imposed on the state,analyzes such hazards,identifies
areas of potential loss and vulnerability, and recommends strategies to mitigate such impacts(Idaho
Office of Emergency Management 2020).Reducing fuel loads,increasing awareness of the physical and
financial dangers of wildfires, and improving land planning are some of the mitigation strategies
recommended in the State Hazard Mitigation Plan(Idaho Office of Emergency Management 2020).
2.5.4.2 N EVADA
In 2018,the Nevada State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan was published with the purpose
of organizing disaster response by outlining disaster response protocols and operations,identifying roles
and responsibilities, and describing mitigation resources available(Nevada Department of Public Safety
2018a). The firefighting response for fires on state lands that have exceeded capacity of local response is
outlined in Annex A under Emergency Support Function#4(Nevada Department of Public Safety
2018a).
In 2018,the Nevada Department of Public Safety released the latest Enhanced Hazard Mitigation Plan for
the state. The plan provides a state profile,a risk and vulnerability assessment,analysis of potential
losses, and a mitigation strategy accompanied by mitigation goals(Nevada Department of Public Safety
2018b). One of the five main mitigation goals is to reduce the possibility of damage and loss due to
wildfire, as Nevada is ranked as being at high risk for wildfire by this plan.Mitigation strategies
recommended with regard to wildfire include focusing on fuel projects in communities with high fire risk,
coordinating collaborative mutual aid agreements,and completing fire damage reclamation reports
(Nevada Department of Public Safety 2018b).
In 2020,the Nevada Department of Public Safety published the Nevada Utility Vulnerability Assessment
and Emergency Response Plan Guide. This guide was created for the purpose of providing potential first
responder and utility collaboration on disaster response via planning efforts(Nevada Department of
Public Safety 2020). This plan is not an in-depth solution to risk but an outline of utility requirements
mandated by Nevada Revised Statutes 239C.250. The plan also provides templates and instructions for
various utility requirements such as providing a vulnerability assessment(Nevada Department of Public
Safety 2020).
In 2020,the Nevada Division of Forestry released a draft of their Nevada Forest,Range, and Watershed
Action Plan. The purpose of this plan is to educate the public,provide information for various planning
efforts, aid in cooperative agreements, direct resource investments, and to orient forest management
efforts to align with government agencies(Nevada Division of Forestry 2020). Furthermore,the plan
summarizes Nevada forest resources, a forest health assessment,key threats and management strategies,
priority landscapes, and future goals. Mitigation strategies recommended for priority landscapes
threatened by fire include increasing agency use of prescribed burns,participation in and implementation
of the National Cohesive Strategy,public education and outreach, and establishment of an interagency
wildland fire communications system(Nevada Division of Forestry 2020).
2.5.4.3 UTAH
In 2013,Utah released the Catastrophic Wildfire Reduction Strategy(Utah Department of Agriculture and
Food(UDAF)2013). The goal of this strategic plan was not only to reduce the risk of wildfires but also to
recognize that fire plays a vital role in ecosystem health. Therefore,the plan aims to bring forests back to
their original state of a healthy ecosystem that benefits from fires rather than turning catastrophic(UDAF
2013). The plan was founded on an interagency collaborative approach via the Catastrophic Wildfire
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
Reduction Steering Committee and six regional working groups. In addition,regionally appointed
technical committees are available to consult on specific issues such as policy impediments,local
firefighting resources, and education(UDAF 2013).
In 2015,the Bear River Region developed a pre-disaster mitigation plan to identify hazards and solutions
to reduce hazard risk to communities. Plan goals include improved emergency communication and
protection of emergency response capabilities. The Box Elder County portion of the plan asserts that Box
Elder County is susceptible to a moderate to high risk of wildfire, especially in the WUI and in areas
adjacent to grassy and shrubby vegetation types.Utility companies are invited to be involved in planning
processes for future plan updates(Bear River Association of Governments 2015).
In 2019,the Utah DNR published the State of Utah Community Wildfire Preparedness Plan for the
Wildland Urban Interface. This plan was created with the goals of enhancing fire resilience and
preparedness within the community,identifying wildland fire hazards and how they threaten
communities,and providing wildfire risk reduction strategies(Utah DNR 2019). Recommended
mitigation actions include reducing fuels on government and private land,facilitating prescribed burns,
and educating children(Utah DNR 2019).
In 2019,the Utah State Hazard Mitigation Plan was published by the Utah Division of Emergency
Management. The goal of this planning effort is to provide understanding and guidance with regard to
natural disasters that may impact the state(Utah Division of Emergency Management 2019). Within the
plan,various potential disasters or hazards are identified, a hazard assessment and capabilities assessment
are provided, and mitigation strategies are recommended. Mitigation action priority areas include life and
property protection, local/tribal mitigation effort support, and high-risk hazard addressment(Utah
Division of Emergency Management 2019).
In 2016,the latest Utah Emergency Operations Plan was created with the intention of organizing disaster
response by taking a coordinated and collaborative approach to prevention,response, and recovery(Utah
Department of Public Safety 2016). The plan outlines disaster response protocols,identifies roles and
responsibilities, and identifies Emergency Support Function supporting facilities, such as the location
from which disaster response would deploy. Emergency Support Function—specific information is
provided in the annex(Utah Department of Public Safety 2016).
In 2020,the Utah DNR produced the latest Utah Forest Action Plan. The purpose of this plan is to
provide an overview of Utah forests health while providing guidance for a cohesive forest management
strategy that still allows for flexibility(Utah DNR 2020). The plan provides a forest assessment, identifies
forest threats,describes means of cooperative forestry management, and presents forest restoration goals
and strategies, and methods to accomplish said goals and strategies. The four overarching goals of this
FAP include restoring Utah's forests,reducing wildfire risk to communities and both water and natural
resources,increasing collaborative landscape-scale forest restoration activities, and increasing
engagement in forest restoration activities (Utah DNR 2020).
2.5.5 Federal Land
2.5.5.1 BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
2.5.5.1.1 Idaho
In 2019,the BLM released the BLM Idaho Fire Management Plan in ArcGIS Story Map format. This
plan was created to provide instructional support in regard to the management of wildland fires. The plan
outlines fire management goals and objectives, operational guidance, fuels treatments,post-fire response,
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
and monitoring protocols(Idaho BLM 2019). Goals listed relating to wildfires include incorporating fire
as a vital process to ecological health,collaborating with communities that fall within the WUI, and
creating a multi-agency integrated approach to resource and fire management(Idaho BLM 2019).
2.5.5.1.2 Nevada
The Raft River infrastructure crosses the Elko District of the BLM,Wells Field office.All Federal
partners in Nevada and Nevada Division of Forestry have entered into a Statewide Master Agreement that
covers a range of fire management and fire suppression actions. This is also the instrument that is used to
exchange funds for suppression expenditures (BLM,2021).
2.5.5.1.3 Utah
In 2005,the BLM issued a finding of no significant impact(FONSI) in response to an environmental
assessment regarding the Utah Land Use Plan Amendment for Fire and Fuels Management. This
amendment outlined changes to wildland fire management performed by the Salt Lake Field Office.
The overall goals of wildfire management under these documents include firefighter and public safety,
collaborative risk reduction in the WUI, and allowing fire to function in its ecological role where
appropriate (BLM 2005).
2.5.5.2 BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
In 2008,the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) created a Fuels Management Program to manage and
implement the BIA hazardous fuels reduction program for tribal land. Overall goals of the Fuels
Management Program include restoring and protecting cultural and natural resources,integrating fuel
reduction,embracing biomass utilization and prescribed fires,and reducing risk to communities
(BIA 2008).
The BIA also has wildfire prevention teams,known as Fire Prevention Education Teams,that operate
under the BIA branch of Wildland Fire Management. The teams combine cultural awareness with fire
prevention skills to slow or stop wildland fires while respecting traditional values of local communities.
Teams can be dispersed into local,regional, or national units;when this happens,the Fire Prevention
Education Teams refer to the BIA regional WUI/prevention specialist for guidance(BIA 2020).
In addition,the BIA contains the Branch of Wildland Fire Management.Under this branch is the Fire
Operations Section. This group is responsible for the implementation and coordination of preparedness
and suppression programs. The group also manages fire facility construction as well as maintenance
programs(BIA 2021).
2.5.5.2.1 Idaho
The Duck Valley Reservation,home of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribe, sits directly on the Idaho-Nevada
border and is evenly split between Owyhee County,Idaho,and Elko,County Nevada.
In 2012,the Duck Valley Reservation released the Duck Valley Indian Reservation Tribal Hazard
Mitigation Plan. The purpose of this plan was to enhance the safety of Duck Valley by reducing the
community's risk to natural hazards. The plan lists a series of goals including prioritizing the
sustainability of the economy,reducing threat from natural hazards, furthering community education,
establishing mitigation priorities, and reducing disaster recovery costs(Duck Valley Indian Reservation
2012).
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
2.5.5.2.2 Nevada
As previously mentioned,the Duck Valley Reservation,home of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribe,crosses the
Idaho-Nevada border.
2.5.5.2.3 Utah
There are no Native American Reservations under RREC service lines in the state of Utah.
2.5.5.3 U.S. FOREST SERVICE
The Sawtooth National Forest is broken up into several Ranger Districts and Divisions,including the Raft
River Division and Albion Division. RREC infrastructure intercepts the Minidoka Ranger District in
Idaho and Utah,with the Raft River Division occurring in Box Elder County and the Albion Division in
Cassia County. While RREC infrastructure is adjacent to other divisions in Idaho,these two are the only
ones that the RREC service area intercepts on Sawtooth National Forest—managed land.
In 2012,the Sawtooth National Forest developed a forest plan to steer natural resource management
activities and ensure sustainable ecosystem use and resilient watersheds(U.S. Forest Service [USFS]
2012). The plan considers actions to reduce conflict in areas where wildfires could cross management
area boundaries outside of the National Forest.Additionally, fuel reduction treatments are prioritized in
the WUI(USFS 2012).
Sawtooth National Forest Fire Management is tiered to the Forest Plan and integrated into the Wildland
Fire Decision Support System(WFDSS).
The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is broken up into several Ranger Districts. Fire Prevention Patrol
Units are under development and not yet functioning(USFS 2021). RREC infrastructure intercepts the
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in the Jarbidge and Mountain City Ranger Districts.
2.5.6 Hazardous Fuel Treatment Projects
State and federal agencies routinely develop fuel treatment planning to address hazardous fuels within
their jurisdiction. RREC should work with the state agencies responsible for forest and fire management
(Idaho Office of Emergency Management,Idaho Department of Lands,Nevada Division of Emergency
Management,Nevada Division of Forestry,Nevada Division of State Lands,Utah Division of Emergency
Management, and Utah Forestry,Fire,and State Lands), as well as federal agencies (BLM,USFS, and
BIA)to look for opportunities to treat fuels in a collaborative manor in and around the RREC ROW to
help mitigate wildfire risk in areas projected to have high or extreme fire behavior.
2.6 Emergency Management and Response- Roles and
Responsibilities
2.6.1 Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative
2.6.1.1 COMPANY STRUCTURE
Table 3 below outlines the internal roles played by the RREC staff related to operations,maintenance,
and emergency management. These assignments are subject to change.
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
Table 3. Strategy Leads
Strategy Lead Personnel Key Technical Personnel
Operational Practices Dallan Spencer Dallan Spencer, Mike Christensen, Richard Hall
System Hardening Mike Christensen Dallan Spencer,Mike Christensen,Richard Hall
Enhanced Inspections Dallan Spencer Line Foreman, Mike Christensen, Dalian Spencer
Situational Awareness Dallan Spencer All Operations Personnel
Reclosing and De-energization Dallan Spencer Richard Hall,Dalian Spencer
Public Safety and Notification Dallan Spencer Mandi Hitt
Vegetation Management Mike Christensen Mike Christensen,Austin Udy,Scott Jones
Wildfire Response and Recovery Dallan Spencer Dallan Spencer,Mike Christensen,Austin Udy
2.6.1.2 RREC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TEAM
The RREC Emergency Management Team is composed as follows:
General Manager
The General Manager coordinates the overall effort in the recovery of corporate, electrical, and business
services and provides updates and status reports to the Board of Directors as required.
The Communications Manager/Executive Assistant,Manager of Finance and Administration,
and Manager of Operations may assist with these duties as needed.
Manager of Finance and Administration
The Manager of Finance and Administration coordinates the efforts in the restoration of services in the
Financial Department in relation to the business continuity plans. The Accounting and Billing Program
Manager may assist with these duties as needed.
Communications Manager/Executive Assistant
The Communications Manager/Executive Assistant coordinates the gathering and dispelling of
information both internally and externally, and provides a framework for prompt, accurate, and effective
communications. Communication is key in any outage/emergency situation. This individual also assists
with all other duties as needed.
Engineering Manager
The Manager of Operations provides overall coordination of efforts to restore electrical service, as well as
required repairs to physical facilities. In addition,this individual is also responsible for reporting and
coordination with power supply and transmission entities. The Line Superintendent and Operations
Superintendent may assist with these duties as needed. The Manager of Operations is also responsible for
the development and maintenance of the ERP.
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
System En ig near
The System Engineer coordinates efforts to restore electrical service and is responsible for the integrity of
the system, ensuring adequate voltage is supplied. This may require interconnecting feeders or supply
lines. This individual will also provide adequate support to ensure automated meter infrastructure is
restored as quickly as possible.
Operations Superintendent
The Operations Superintendent ensures local, state, and federal agency's rules and regulations are adhered
to in relation to power supply and the design of the lines. The Operations Superintendent will coordinate
the design, staking, and gathering of materials to remediate the situation as quickly as possible,working
with all members of staff.
Line Superintendent(includes the Western Division Line Superintendent)
The Line Superintendent provides support by assembling personnel,materials,and equipment to
effectively and efficiently make the repairs necessary and will coordinate and dispatch resources as the
emergency response team deems necessary.
2.6.2 Coordination with Outside Entities
To accommodate the notification of emergency service organizations and law enforcement agencies
to assist in wildfire and other natural disasters,the following communication procedures will be
implemented. The Cooperative Response Center will be notified of any event requiring emergency
services (emergency number: 1-888-643-6281). The RREC General Manager and all other key staff will
be notified immediately. In addition to the communications and reporting procedures for the real-time
operation of electricity markets,the RREC management team will contact the appropriate law
enforcement and emergency services organizations.
Figure 1 outlines the land ownership within the RREC service area. Section 2.6 outlines existing wildfire
planning documents for entities within the service area. The contacts for these entities, in addition to
important contact information for agency staff who may need to be contacted in the event of a wildfire,
are included in Appendix F.
For additional reporting requirements and contact information,please refer to the RREC ERP.
During a wildfire incident,wildfire response agencies work within established frameworks for emergency
management: the National Incident Management System(NIMS)and the Incident Command System
(ICS).
2.6.2.1 NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
NIMS was developed and is administrated by the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5,
Management of Domestic Incidents.NIMS was first issued by the Department of Homeland Security
on March 1,2004. It serves as a nationwide uniform template across all levels of government,
nongovernmental organizations,and the private sector,enabling these entities to collaborate in the
prevention,protection,response,recovery,and mitigation of incidents, despite their origin, size,locality,
or complexity. Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5 requires that all federal bodies incorporate
NIMS into their individual incident management programs,and in support of all measures taken to aid
governments at the state,tribal, and local levels.
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2.6.2.2 INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM
ICS provides a standard and workable procedure for effective cross jurisdictional incident management
coordination and collaboration. ICS is utilized by both nongovernmental organizations and the private
sector,as well as by all branches of government: federal, state,tribal, and local. It is composed of five
primary functional areas: command, operations,planning, logistics, and finance/administration. There is
an additional optional area,investigations,which is usually implemented on a case-by-case basis. All fire
response and coordination across the RREC service area would align with ICS.
2.6.2.3 COUNTY
RREC engages closely with each County Emergency Manager before and during a fire. During wildland
fire events,RREC works in full coordination with incident command for the wildland event.
2.6.2.3.1 Cassia County, Idaho
Fire response within Cassia County is coordinated through the South Central Idaho Interagency Dispatch
Center(SCIIDC),in cooperation with the Eastern Great Basin Coordination Center. The SCIIDC is a
cooperative effort among the BLM,USFS,Bureau of Reclamation,U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS),National Park Service, and the State of Idaho. Cassia County has seven Ere protection districts
that service the area: ACE,Minidoka, Oakley,Raft River,Rock Creek,Burley,North Cassia Rural, and
Albion Volunteer. In addition,mutual aid agreements are held with the USFWS,National Park Service,
USFS, and BLM(North Wind 2004a).According to the 2004 Wildland Fire Hazard Mitigation Plan,the
Fire Protection Districts within Cassia County protect approximately 673,900 acres. The additional
812,000 acres of Cassia County are categorized as"open areas"and are not designated for protection by a
specific Fire Protection District but will be cared for by a neighboring Fire Protection District or mutual
aid agreement.
Table 4. Land Ownership within the Cassia County Fire Protection District
BLM Private State USFS Total
ACE 82,686 55,937 12,492 4,078 155,193
Albion 4,281 30,531 7 38 34,857
Burley/North Cassia 10,091 184,352 4,526 3 198,971
Minidoka East 5,589 13,553 2,236 0 21,379
Oakley 0 62,286 1,262 66 63,614
Raft River 154,811 187,314 7,638 147 349,911
Rock Creek 71 5,099 0 0 5,169
Source:North Wind(2004a)
2.6.2.3.2 Oneida County, Idaho
Fire response within Oneida County is coordinated through the Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center
(EIIFC), in cooperation with the Great Basin Coordination Center. The EIIFC is a cooperative effort
among the BLM,USFS, and the State of Idaho. Fire response on land administered by the Sawtooth
National Forest within the county is coordinated through the SCIIDC. The county is broken into two
districts for fire response: Malad City Fire Department and Holbrook/Stone Volunteer Fire Department
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(North Wind 2004b). Oneida County does not hold mutual aid agreements with the USFS or BLM(North
Wind 2004b).
2.6.2.3.3 Owyhee County, Idaho
Fire response within Owyhee County is coordinated through the Boise Interagency Dispatch Center
(BIDC), in cooperation with the Eastern Great Basin Coordination Center. The BIDC is a cooperative
effort among the BLM,USFS, and Southwest Idaho Department of Lands. Owyhee County is home to six
fire protection groups that provide protection against both structural and rangeland fires: Silver City Fire
and Rescue,Bruneau Fire Protection District, Grand View Rural Fire Protection District,Homedale Fire
Department,Marsing Rural Fire Protection, and Murphy/Reynolds/Wilson Fire and Quick Response Unit.
In addition,Owyhee County has three Rangeland Fire Protection Associations(RFPA): Owyhee RFPA,
Saylor Creek RFPA, and Three Creek RFPA. These RFPAs provide voluntary rangeland fire initial attack
and suppression services(Owyhee County 2018).
2.6.2.3.4 Power County, Idaho
Fire response for Power County is coordinated through the EIIFC in cooperation with the Great Basin
Coordination Center. The EIIFC is a cooperative effort among the BLM,USFS, and the State of Idaho
(EIIFC 2021).Fire response on land administered by the Sawtooth National Forest within the county is
coordinated through the SCIIDC. Power County fire response is handled by the City of American Falls
Fire Department and the Rockland Fire Protection District.
2.6.2.3.5 Elko County, Nevada
Fire response within Elko County is coordinated through the Elko Interagency Dispatch Center(EIDC)in
cooperation with the Eastern Great Basin Coordination Center. This dispatch center is a cooperative effort
among the Elko District BLM,Nevada Division of Forestry,Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest,BIA,
and USFWS (EIDC 2021). The Elko County Fire Protection District provides fire response for the
County with aid from 14 volunteer fire departments. The Nevada Division of Forestry manages fire
protection on private land within the county and oversees the 14 volunteer departments(RC 12005).
2.6.2.3.6 Box Elder County, Utah
Fire response for the entire northern Utah region is coordinated through the Northern Utah Interagency
Fire Center(NUIFC), in cooperation with the Great Basin Coordination Center. The NUIFC is a
cooperative effort among the BLM,USFS, and the Utah Division of Forestry,Fire and State Lands. Fire
response on land administered by the Sawtooth National Forest within the county is coordinated through
the SCIIDC. There are 11 fire protection groups within Box Elder County: Corinne City Fire Department,
Brigham City Fire Department,Fielding Fire Department, Garland Fire Department,Honeyville Fire
Department,Mantua Volunteer Fire Department,Plymouth Fire Department,Portage Fire and Rescue,
Thatcher-Penrose Fire Department and Water Services, and Tremonton Fire Department(Risk Mitigation
Group, LLC 2021).
All counties in the state of Utah are affected by Utah Code Section 65A-8-6(House Bill 146 [HB 146],
which was passed by the Utah Legislature in the 2004 General Session and took effect in March of 2006).
Utah Code Section 65A-8-6 requires that counties meet eligibility requirements to enter into a cooperative
agreement with the UDFFSL for wildfire protection. The Code states that counties shall
• adopt a wildland fire ordinance based on minimum standards established by the division
(UDFFSL);
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
• require that the county fire department or equivalent private provider under contract with the
county meet minimum standards for wildland training,certification, and wildland fire suppression
equipment based on nationally accepted standards as specified by the division(UDFFSL); and
• file with the division(UDFFSL) a budget for fire suppression costs.
Each of these eligibility requirements must be met before UDFFSL may enter into a cooperative
agreement for wildfire protection with any county.
2.6.2.4 STATE
2.6.2.4.1 Idaho
Fire response procedures can be found in the Idaho Department of Lands Mobilization Guide or the Idaho
Fire Service Resource Response Plan. The Idaho Department of Lands(IDL) is the lead state agency for
wildland fire response and suppression on private and state forest land(Idaho Office of Emergency
Management 2017).Non-forested land within the state, such as agricultural land,is protected by local
districts with help from the Rangeland Fire Protection Associations. If fire response needs exceed
capabilities of local and state crews(and mutual aid agreements),the jurisdictional agency will contact
either the Idaho Emergency Operations Center(private,agricultural,residential, or rangelands)or the IDL
State Fire Coordinator(private or state forest lands).After the appropriate party has been contacted, said
party will assist in coordinating additional response resources as needed. If the fire moves out of state
jurisdiction,the IDL will take over resource mobilization. If needed,the Governor(or his authorized
representative)may request federal assistance(Idaho Office of Emergency Management 2017).
2.6.2.4.2 Nevada
Nevada's State and local fire programs protect approximately 9.5 million acres. In 2018,Nevada Division
of Forestry(NDF) signed cooperative wildfire protection agreements with 23 fire protection districts in
12 counties, furthering cooperation between state and local fire response and fuels reduction(State
Foresters, 2019).
2.6.2.4.3 Utah
Wildfires that occur on state and private land outside city limits are managed by the UDFFSL, and fire
suppression efforts are coordinated through county fire wardens,who work with federal agencies and
local fire departments (Utah Division of Emergency Management 2019).5
2.6.2.5 FEDERAL
2.6.2.5.1 Idaho
Fire response on federal land in Idaho will be dispatched and serviced through one of three dispatch
centers depending on the county. Cassia County falls under the jurisdiction of the SCIIDC, a cooperative
effort among the BLM,USFS,Bureau of Reclamation,USFWS,National Park Service, and the State of
Idaho. The SCIIDC is responsible for dispatch and coordination of approximately 11,869,323 acres,
which average approximately 200 fires and 180,000 acres burned per year(SCIIDC 2020).
5 Utah State Hazard Mitigation Plan:https://hazards.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/tJtah-State-Hazard-Mitigation-Plan-2019.pdf
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
Oneida and Power Counties fall under the jurisdiction of the EIIFC, a cooperative effort among the BLM,
USFS, and the State of Idaho. The EIIFC is responsible for dispatch and coordination of over 7 million
acres,which average 126 fires per year. Fire response on land administered by the Sawtooth National
Forest within Oneida and Power counties is coordinated through the SCIIDC.
Owyhee County falls under the jurisdiction of the Boise Interagency Dispatch Center(BIDC), a
cooperative effort among the BLM,USFS, and Southwest Idaho Department of Lands. The BIDC is
responsible for dispatch and coordination of approximately 9,128,111 acres,which hosted 195 fires on
8,737 acres in 2019 (BIDC 2021).
BIA land within the service area includes the Duck Valley Reservation.Fire response for Duck Valley is
managed by the Sho-Pai Fire Department,which is made up of 14 volunteers on call 24 hours per day,
7 days per week,year-round, including holidays. During the fire season,the Sho-Pai Fire Department also
sponsors two Type 11 Initial Attack Wildland Fire Crews and four Camp Crews(Shoshone-Paiute Tribes
2021).
2.6.2.5.2 Nevada
Fire response on all federal land within Elko County is coordinated through the EIDC. The EIDC
dispatches fire-fighting resources to fires on federal and state land in northeastern Nevada. Various other
federal and state agencies cooperate with the EIDC to respond to these fires,including the Elko District
BLM,Nevada Division of Forestry,BIA, and USFWS(EIDC 2021). Approximately 10,988,691 square
acres are under the jurisdiction of the EIDC(U.S. Census Bureau 2019).
2.6.2.5.3 Utah
Fire response on all NFS land administered by the Sawtooth National Forest is coordinated through the
SCIIDC. The SCIIDC dispatches fire-fighting resources to fires on federal and state land in south-central
Idaho.Various other federal and state agencies cooperate with the SCIIDC to respond to these fires.
In total, 11,869,323 acres are under the protection of the SCIIDC (SCIIDC 2020).
2.6.2.6 DOCUMENT ENGAGEMENT AND REVIEW
RREC provided the draft document for stakeholder review from October 28 to November 12,2021
(stakeholders are listed in Appendix F). Stakeholders were asked to provide comments on the draft to
ensure that protocols and procedures in the Plan are aligned with existing procedures for emergency
management,wildfire mitigation, and wildfire response within their jurisdictions.
RREC provided the draft document for public review on the RREC's website from November 23 to
December 3,2021.No comments were received from the public during this time.
3 RISK ANALYSIS
The wildfire risk analysis process utilizes several sources,including UWRAP,NRFIP, and planning
documents such as hazard mitigation plans,natural disaster protection plans, and Raft River Emergency
Response Plan(Raft River,2019). The purpose of the wildfire risk analysis is to identify areas within the
RREC service area that are particularly susceptible to high-intensity, severe wildfire behavior, so as to
develop mitigation measures for preventing utility-related ignitions and to improve system resilience to
outside wildfire threat.
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
3.1 Wildfires
3.1.1 Fire History
Fire history across the RREC service territory is illustrated in Figures A-1 through A-6 in Appendix A.
The service territory has a varied wildfire history in terms of fire frequency,intensity, and scale based on
the composition and conditions of vegetation communities that make up combustible fuels.
3.1.1.1 IDAHO
Since 2006,there has been a downward trend in the number of fires in Idaho. However,the number of
acres burned is on a steep incline. This means that there are larger fires that are more difficult to contain
and suppress(Idaho Office of Emergency Management 2020).Adverse weather and topography,heavy
fuel loads,and urban development can create catastrophic wildfire conditions alone,coupled with Idaho's
2 1+million acres of forested land,a combination which could lead to devastating fires. The three largest
fires in Idaho have occurred since 2007, each burning more than 318,000 acres. This includes the largest
fire in Idaho's history,the Murphy Complex Fire,which incinerated over 567,000 acres(Monitoring
Trends in Burn Severity [MTBS] 2021).
3.1.1.1.1 Cassia County
Within the past decade, flammable fuels have amassed within Cassia County,increasing the county's fire
risk. Wildfire risk for Cassia County is rated at moderate to high(North Wind 2004a). The largest
wildfire in the county,the Cave Canyon Fire, occurred in 2012 and burned over 84,780 acres(MTBS
2021). The second and third largest fires in Cassia County also occurred in 2007 and 2000. The Black
Pine 2 and West Basin Fires were slightly smaller,burning 69,897 acres and 56,396 acres respectively
(MTBS 2021).
3.1.1.1.2 Oneida County
Wildfire risk within Oneida County is rated as high,partially due to Oneida County's fire season being
longer than other regions in Idaho. In addition,Oneida County's grassy vegetation,hot and dry summer
weather, and topography all contribute to wildfire risk(North Wind 2004b). The last wildfire within
Oneida County,184 MM271,occurred in 2017 and burned over 3,600 acres(MTBS 2021).
3.1.1.1.3 Owyhee County
The ecosystems of Owyhee County are fire-adapted and fire controls terrestrial system processes.
Wildfires are expected to be an annual occurrence within Owyhee County. Between 2007 and 2017,
33 fire events burning more than 1,000 acres each occurred within the county(Owyhee County 2018).
In addition,three of Owyhee County's largest fires all occurred after 2007,with each fire burning over
280,000 acres. The largest,the aforementioned Murphy Complex Fire,burned over 567,000 acres
(MTBS 2021).
3.1.1.1.4 Power County
In Power County,dry weather,topography, and dense fuel loads contribute to elevated wildfire risk.
During the fire season(June—September), a single thunderstorm may cause over 20 ignitions(Dynamic
Corporation 2004). The largest fire within the County,the Powerline Fire, occurred in 2017 and
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
incinerated over 54,000 acres (MTBS 2021). Three wildfires occurred in 2018, each burning over
8,400 acres (MTBS 2021).
3.1.1.2 N EVADA
Fires in Nevada have always been a regular occurrence due to the and climate,vegetation types, and
weather. However,Nevada's fire regime is currently outside of historical precedents. From 2000 to 2003,
only 14%of Nevada fires occurred outside of the fire season. From 2009 to 2013,33%of Nevada fires
occurred outside of the fire season. Wildfires are becoming more frequent and more damaging as this
trend continues(Nevada Department of Public Safety 2018b). Three of Nevada's largest fires have
occurred since 2007, each burning more than 430,000 acres.Nevada's largest fire yet,the Murphy
Complex Fire,occurred in 2007 and destroyed over 567,000 acres (MTBS 2021).
3.1.1.2.1 Elko County
Over 2,500 fire events occurred in Elko County over the last 25 years(as of 2014)and have burned over
2.25 million acres (Elko County 2014). In addition to Nevada's predisposition to wildfire,the county has
recently been affected by heavy fuels loads and excessive winds,increasing the likelihood of fire. In the
last 6 years(as of 2014), 1.4 million acres burned within the county(Elko County 2014).
3.1.1.3 UTAH
While firefighters suppress 95%of Utah wildfires on initial attack, adverse weather and topography,
heavy fuel loads, and urban development can create catastrophic wildfire conditions. The three largest
fires in Utah have occurred since 2007, each burning more than 70,000 acres. 2007 saw the greatest
number of acres burned in a single year since 2000; 1,385 wildfires burned almost 650,000 total acres.
This total includes the largest wildfire in Utah's history,the Milford Flat Fire,which destroyed nearly
364,000 acres (Utah Division of Emergency Management 2019).
3.1.1.3.1 Box Elder County
Box Elder County experienced 1,086 fires between 1973 and 2005. Most of these fires were wildland
fires that occurred in the eastern portions of the county. From 2006 to 2019,Box Elder County has
experienced 39 fires, approximately 18 of which have been over 1,000 acres (Box Elder County 2019;
MTBS 2021; SWCA 2007).
Figures A-1 through A-6 within Appendix A illustrate fire occurrence history within the RREC service
area. Many of these fires were located in close proximity to RREC infrastructure, likely because the lines
are often collocated with highways,which tend to be an ignition source for wildfires. Regional wildfire
planning documents suggest that at least 12% of fires in this region of the state are a result of human
ignitions,highlighting a need for greater public education and outreach for reducing fire ignitions.As a
utility provider throughout this area,RREC could be a partner in these public education efforts.
3.1.2 Vegetation Communities
The RREC service area falls mostly within the Central Basin and Range,Northern Basin and Range, and
Snake River Plateau ecoregions. The Central Basin and Range ecoregion occurs throughout most of
Nevada, in the southeastern corner of Idaho,and in the western portion of Utah. This ecoregion is
characterized by wide desert valleys bordered by parallel mountain ranges generally oriented north—south.
Areas lower than approximately 5,200 feet elevation were once inundated by Pleistocene Lake
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
Bonneville. Extensive playas occur and are nearly flat, clayey, and salty. In general,this ecoregion is dry
and lacks extensive,dense forests(Woods et al. 2001).
Common low-intensity, short-duration burns of sagebrush and desert shrubs occur during summer
thunderstorms in this ecoregion. Often,there is insufficient understory to carry fires, or they are
suppressed. Cheatgrass(Bromus tectorum) and other introduced annuals not only out-compete native
bunchgrasses but have also altered the ecoregion's fire regime; in areas that previously burned
approximately every 30 to 70 years,the introduction of cheatgrass has increased fire-return intervals to
less than 10 years.
The Northern Basin and Range ecoregion occurs adjacent to the Central Basin and Range in the high
northwestern portion of Utah, in the very southwestern portion of Idaho, and along the northern border of
Nevada. The ecoregion consists of and tablelands, intermontane basins, dissected lava plains,and widely
scattered low mountains,largely covered with sagebrush steppe vegetation. Elevation ranges from
4,000 to 7,200 feet(Omernik 1987).
Disturbance regimes in this ecoregion include short-duration and low-intensity brush fires,which occur
due to summer thunderstorms. Other land disturbance is associated with water and wind erosion,mining,
and livestock grazing with limited farming(USFS n.d.).
The Snake River Plateau or Snake River Basin ecoregion is lower in elevation with less complex
topography than that of surrounding ecoregions. Much of this ecoregion adjacent to the Snake River is
filled with agricultural land for beets,potatoes(Omernik 1987),wheat,barley, corn, and other forage
crops. The remaining landcover is primarily sagebrush steppe(Omernik 1987). Fire regimes in this
ecoregion are similar to those in the basin and range ecoregions described above based on similarities in
shrub/scrub fuels.
The RREC service area is made up primarily of dwarf shrub,evergreen forest, and shrub/scrub
communities(Figure 2). Dwarf shrubs and shrub/scrub communities are shrubs less than 20 cm tall
and are often co-associated with grasses and sedges (Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics Consortium
2021). Shrub species include sagebrush and other saltbrushes,as well as winterfat(World Wildlife Fund
[WWF] 2021a). Evergreen forests include Douglas-fir(Pseudotsuga menziesii)and other montane
coniferous species, as well as pinyon juniper and sub-alpine forests communities(WWF 2021b).
Most research suggests that wildfires in sagebrush communities and associated grasses were historically
of high severity,with stand replacement(meaning complete mortality of impacted vegetation) (Inns
2019; Innes and Zouhar 2018).Fire frequency was influenced by site characteristics,with frequency
estimates ranging from decades to centuries; drier sites would support fewer fine fuels and therefore
burned less frequently than sites with higher fine fuel loads(Mensing et al. 2006). Larger fires would
occur following one or more cool,wet years that allowed fine fuels to accumulate and become continuous
(Inns 2019). Return intervals vary widely depending on elevation, aspect, site moisture, and associated
woodland type. Current available data suggest that fire frequency in sagebrush communities has not
changed in comparison with these historical trends, or has been reduced, although the data are
insufficient.
Of notable concern in the RREC service area is cheatgrass, a highly competitive invasive grass species
from Eurasia. Cheatgrass has altered native plant community structure and promotes wildfire by
increasing the risk of shorter fire return intervals(Bishop et al. 2019). As cheatgrass continues to spread
throughout the western United States,new threats are placed on communities and infrastructure.
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
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25

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
3.1.3 Fuels
The fuels in the planning area are classified using Scott and Burgan's (2005) Standard Fire Behavior Fuel
Model classification system. This classification system is based on the Rothermel surface fire spread
equations, and each vegetation and litter type is broken down into 40 fuel models.
The general classification of fuels is by fire-carrying fuel type(Scott and Burgan 2005):
(NB)Non-burnable (TU)Timber-Understory
(GR) Grass (TL)Timber Litter
(GS) Grass-Shrub (SB) Slash-Blowdown
(SH) Shrub
The dominant fuel models that occur within the RREC line buffer(a 0.25-mile buffer on either side of the
line) are shown in Table 5 and Figures A-7 through A-12 in Appendix A. These data are based on data
obtained from LANDFIRE.
Table 5. Scott and Burgan Fuel Model Composition within the 0.25-mile Corridor for all RREC
Lines
Fuel Model Acreage Percent
N B 1 31,579.45 3.474596
N B3 16,4281.6 18.07544
NB8 4,245.876 0.467162
NB9 27,258.15 2.999136
GR1 23,433.71 2.578344
GR2 186,715.1 20.54373
G R3 1,654.946 0.182089
G R4 23.46273 0.002582
GS1 69,072.2 7.599817
GS2 248,870.5 27.38251
SH1 19,883.12 2.187683
SH2 30,927.05 3.402815
SH3 10,397.43 1.143999
SH5 76,511.14 8.418301
SH6 403.1347 0.044356
SH7 8,399.288 0.92415
TU 1 1,371.299 0.15088
TU2 170.575 0.018768
TU5 1,641.121 0.180568
TL1 1.190502 0.000131
TL2 865.7076 0.095251
TO 1,005.646 0.110648
TL5 11.46124 0.001261
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
Fuel Model Acreage Percent
TL6 100.9587 0.011108
TL8 42.53888 0.00468
Note:Dominant fuels(those making up>5%of the corridor)are bolded.
While there are many fuel types within the ROW corridors,a few fuels make up the dominant cover
across the service territory. These dominant fuels are described below in Table 6.
Table 6. Fuel Model Descriptions
and/or1. Nearly pure grass . . type
i. GR2: Moderately coarse continuous grass,average depth about 1 foot.Spread rate high
(20-50 chains/hour);flame length moderate(4-8 feet);fine fuel load(1.10 tons/acre).
2. Mixture of grass and shrub,up to about 50%shrub cover(Grass-Shrub)
i. GS1: Shrubs are about 1-foot high,low grass load.Spread rate moderate(5-20 chains/hour);flame length low
(1-4 feet);fine fuel load(1.35 tons/acre).
ii. GS2:Shrubs are 1-3 feet high,moderate grass load.Spread rate high(20-50 chains/hour);flame length moderate
(4-8 feet);fine fuel load(2.1 tons/acre).
3. Shrubs cover at least 50%of the site; grass sparse to non-existent(Shrub)
i. SH5: Heavy shrub load. Fuel bed depth 4-6 feet.Spread rate very high(50-150 chains/hour);flame length very high
(12-25 feet).
4. Insufficient wildland fuel to carry wildland fire under any condition(Non-burnable)
i. NB3:Agricultural field, maintained in non-burnable condition.
3.1.4 Topography and Land Use
Topography is important in determining fire behavior.Mountains create complex topography with steep
slopes and varying slope aspects. Steepness of slope, aspect(direction the slope faces),elevation, and
landscape features can all affect fuels,local weather(by channeling winds and affecting local
temperatures), and rate of spread of wildfire. There are some steep slopes throughout the RREC service
area that would influence fire behavior and spread. The rest of the service area is relatively flat,with low-
lying agricultural valleys,urban areas, and salt flats. Flat areas are not topographically complex,with
little variation in slope aspect and fewer changes in slope steepness.
3.1.4.1 ELKO COUNTY, NEVADA
Elko County is placed in the northeast corner of Nevada,bordering Idaho and Utah. It is the second
largest county in the state totaling approximately 17,169 square miles (10,989,000 acres). The county's
elevation ranges from 4,265 feet southwest of West Wendover to 11,387 feet in the Ruby Mountains.
Elko Valley is filled with diverse topography,with most of the county covered in mountains. The eastern
border is marked by the Toano Mountain Range. The southern region is home to several mountains such
as the Pequop Mountains,Ruby Mountains,Pinon Mountains, and the Maverick Springs Range.
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
The county also includes some substantial valleys including the Steptoe Valley, Clover Valley,
Independence Valley, and Ruby Valley. The northcentral region of Elko County is less topographically
complex than the eastern and southern regions. However,this northcentral region is home to the Adobe
Range, Snake Mountains,Independence Mountains, and furthest to the west near the South Fork Owyhee
River are the Tuscarora Mountains. The northwest corner of Elko County is relatively flat and home to
the Owyhee Desert(Wildland Fire Associates, 2007).
Elko County is relatively dry with an average of 9.5 inches of rain annually. The most widespread
vegetation types within the county include montane forest and mixed sagebrush,with pinyon juniper
coming in third. Ranches and agricultural lands are an important part to both the economy and culture of
Elko County. In 2002, Elko County had the largest amount of cropland within Nevada,totaling
203,252 acres (Wildland Fire Associates,2007).
3.1.4.2 BOX ELDER COUNTY, UTAH
Box Elder County's topography is diverse. Located in the northwest corner of Utah,Box Elder County
encompasses approximately 5,614 square miles(3,592,960 acres), extending from the west spur of the
Wasatch Mountains north to the Idaho border and westward to the Nevada border. The county includes
parts of the Great Salt Lake and the Great Salt Lake Desert, as well as the lower course and deltas of the
Bear River,the Malad River Valley,and the Promontory Mountains. Box Elder County is part of the
Central Basin and Range ecoregion and fully encompasses the Northern Basin and Range ecoregion in
Utah. The county contains fertile farmlands,accounting for the large area of land(43%)used for
agriculture(mostly livestock,hay, grain, alfalfa, fruit, garden crops,and sugar beets),as well as
significant wetlands at the mouth of the Bear River(SWCA 2007).
3.1.4.3 CASSIA COUNTY, IDAHO
Cassia County comprises approximately 2,564 square miles (1,640,938 acres)dominated by high
mountain desert ecosystems. The elevation ranges from 4,100 feet(North Wind 2004a)to 10,334 feet,the
summit of Cache Peak. Topography is characterized by flat or gently rolling hills with few mountainous
areas(one at the western border,one in central Cassia County, and two at the eastern border). The area
typically receives around 10 inches of rainfall each year, supporting a mixture of sagebrush,
bunchgrasses,and low shrub communities.Agriculture is the primary economic driver,with grains, corn,
and potatoes being the dominant crops(North Wind 2004a).
3.1.4.4 ONEIDA COUNTY, IDAHO
Oneida County encompasses 1,200 square miles(768,438 acres),with elevations ranging from 4,444 feet
in Malad Valley to 9,092 feet atop Elkhorn Peak. The overall landscape is dominated by high mountain
desert systems. There are several mountain ranges that are topographically complex such as the Elkhorn
Mountains in the north,the Samaria Mountains in the south, and the Oxford Range in the east.
The valleys are dominated by agricultural land(hay,grain, and safflower) and grasslands,which give way
to sagebrush steppe with increased elevation,then pinyon juniper forests,and deciduous and coniferous
forests at higher elevations. The average annual precipitation ranges from 10 to 20 inches(North Wind
2004b).
3.1.4.5 OWYHEE COUNTY, IDAHO
Owyhee County lies in the southwest corner of Idaho.It is the second largest county in the state totaling
approximately 7,697 square miles(4,925,894 acres).Nearly 200,000 acres of land(4%)are used for
agriculture to grow a variety of crops—corn,potatoes,onion,hay, alfalfa,and sugar beets—and grazing
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for cattle.A significant amount of grazing also occurs on state and federal lands through permits and
grazing leases.When a large fire impacts these lands,this has a significant impact on ranchers and on the
county economy,which is primarily driven by agriculture.
Other primary vegetation types include annual grass-forb steppe and mixed sagebrush communities.
Owyhee County is relatively flat with mountainous regions in the northwestern portion of the county.
Generally, elevation in the county slopes downward from the southwest to the northeast. The highest
point is Hayden Peak(8,401 feet),from which elevation descends to the bottom of the Snake River in
Homedale(2,210 feet). Owyhee County exists in semiarid to mild climate,receiving average annual
rainfall from 4 to 18 inches(RCI 2005).
3.1.4.6 POWER COUNTY, IDAHO
Power County is approximately 1,452 square miles(929,000 acres). The southern portion of the county is
lined by the Sublett Range,Deep Creek Mountains, and Bannock Range all of which create the Rockland
and Arbon Valleys. To the north is the Great Rift System,the largest and most recent volcanic rift system
in the U.S., and the American Falls Reservoir(BLM,2021). The County receives an average of fifteen
inches of precipitation per year,creating a semi-arid environment that supports mixed sagebrush and
perennial grasses,with juniper forests often on upper slopes.Agriculture via crop production and grazing
are the primary economic drivers in the area(Dynamac Corporation 2004).
3.1.4.7 ELKO COUNTY, NEVADA
Elko County is in the northeast corner of Nevada,bordering Idaho and Utah. It is the second largest
county in the state,totaling approximately 17,169 square miles (10,989,000 acres). The county's elevation
ranges from 4,265 feet southwest of West Wendover to 11,387 feet in the Ruby Mountains.Elko Valley
is filled with diverse topography,with most of the county covered in mountains. The eastern border is
marked by the Toano Mountain Range. The southern region is home to several mountains such as the
Pequop Mountains,Ruby Mountains,Pinon Mountains, and the Maverick Springs Range.
The county also contains some substantial valleys,including the Steptoe Valley, Clover Valley,
Independence Valley, and Ruby Valley. The northcentral region of Elko County is less topographically
complex than the eastern and southern regions. However,this northcentral region is home to the Adobe
Range, Snake Mountains, and Independence Mountains, and further to the west near the South Fork
Owyhee River are the Tuscarora Mountains. The northwest corner of Elko County is relatively flat and
home to the Owyhee Desert(Wildland Fire Associates 2007).
Elko County is relatively dry with an average of 9.5 inches of rain annually. The most widespread
vegetation types within the county include montane forest and mixed sagebrush,with pinyon juniper
coming in third. Ranches and agricultural land are important to both the economy and culture of Elko
County. In 2002, Elko County had the largest amount of cropland within Nevada,totaling 203,252 acres
(Wildland Fire Associates 2007).
3.1.4.8 BOX ELDER COUNTY, UTAH
Box Elder County's topography is diverse. Located in the northwest corner of Utah,Box Elder County
encompasses approximately 5,614 square miles(3,592,960 acres), extending from the west spur of the
Wasatch Mountains north to the Idaho border and westward to the Nevada border. The county includes
parts of the Great Salt Lake and the Great Salt Lake Desert, as well as the lower course and deltas of the
Bear River,the Malad River Valley,and the Promontory Mountains. Box Elder County is part of the
Central Basin and Range ecoregion and fully encompasses the Northern Basin and Range ecoregion in
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
Utah. The county contains fertile
farmlands,accounting for the large area
of land(43%)used for agriculture
(mostly livestock,hay, grain, alfalfa,
fruit, garden crops, and sugar beets), as
well as significant wetlands at the mouth
of the Bear River(SWCA 2007).
3.1.5 Weather
Of the three fire behavior components
(weather,topography, and fuels),weather
is the most likely to fluctuate. Accurately
predicting fire weather remains a
challenge for forecasters. As winds and
rising temperatures dry fuels in the spring
and summer,conditions can deteriorate rapidly, creating an environment that is susceptible to wildland
fire. Fine fuels (grass and leaf litter)can cure rapidly,making them highly flammable in as little as 1 hour
following light precipitation. Low live fuel moistures of shrubs and trees can significantly contribute to
fire behavior in the form of crowning and torching. With a high wind, grass fires can spread rapidly,
engulfing infrastructure and communities, often with limited warning for evacuation.
While weather conditions can vary widely across the service territory on an annual basis,on average,
there is very little variation between weather conditions across the RREC regions(Figures 3-8).
[1HLTH H'vIHTILId, IDHHO (105567)
Period of Record 11/01/1984 to 04/30/2016
11 i
90
80
70
60
40
L 30
61
CL 0
= 10
-10
_20 1
Jan 1 Mar 1 Ma,-4 1 -IL11 1 "eFi 1 Nov 1 Dec :3-1
Feb 1 Hpr 1 lun 1 Hu 1 nct. 1 Dec 1
Day of Year
uat.-rn
F�eg Tonal
E:ztreme Ma::• ri'.,e Na H'.:r N i r E-treriie Nin] Clirnatc
Figure 3. Daily temperature extremes and averages for Malta, Idaho.
Source:Western Regional Climate Center(2021).
30

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
MALTA AVIATION, IDAHO (105567)
Period of Record : 11/01/1984 to 64/30/2016
1.s
c
•.4 1.2s
V
C 1
M 0.7s
V
L 0.2s
d
0
Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov
Feb Apr Jun Aug Oct Dec
Day of Year
Western
Reg is-na 1
Average Total Monthly Precipitation C:li—te
,enter
Figure 4. Monthly average precipitation for Malta, Idaho.
Source:Western Regional Climate Center(2021).
JACKPOT, NEVADA (264016)
Period of Record : 04/01/1986 to 05/31/2016
110
U. 70 I
60 !
d B0
4 0
30
L 2010 ,iW Y
a
F -10
_300 F..
Jan 1 Feb 1 Apr 1 Jun 1 Aug 1 Oct 1 Dec 1 Mar 1 May 1 Jul 1 Sep 1 Nov 1 Dec 31
Day of Year
Western
Regional
Extreme Max—Ave Max —Ave Min Extreme Min climate
Center
Figure 5. Daily temperature extremes and averages for Jackpot, Nevada.
Source:Western Regional Climate Center(2021).
31

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
JACKPOT, NEVADA (264016)
Period of Record : 04/01/1986 to 65/31/2816
..
C 1.75�
V 1.5
C
1.25
M 1
a 0.75
m
0.5
d 0.25
0
Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov
Feb Apr Jun Aug Oct Dec
Day of Year
Western
Reg is-na 1
Average Total Monthly Precipitation C:l irate
Cen?er
Figure 6. Monthly average precipitation for Jackpot, Nevada.
Source:Western Regional Climate Center(2021).
ROSETTE, UTAH (427408)
Period of Record : 07/O1/1990 to 06/06/2016
110
100
90
r, 80
LL. 70
60
01 so
7 40
+ 30
L 2 I
0
-11 M I I
~ -21
-30
Jan 1 Feb 1 Apr 1 Jun 1 Aug 1 Oct 1 Dec 1 Mar 1 May 1 Jul 1 Sep 1 Nov 1 Dec 31
Day of Year
Western
Regional
Extreme Max—Ave Max —Ave Min Extreme Min climate
Center
Figure 7. Daily temperature extremes and averages for Rosette, Utah.
Source:Western Regional Climate Center(2021).
32

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
RIISETTE, UTHH (427408)
Period of Record : 07/0111990 to 06/06/2016
v l �
C
ip 1
•a ii,?F
f.J ii.S
L
L
ii
-1an Nar 1 rF hJo',
Fel] HPr -1 un Hu. Oct. Cori_
Day of Year
66
Average Total Monthly Precipitation mmmmiit
Figure 8. Monthly average precipitation for Rosette, Utah.
Source:Western Regional Climate Center(2021).
The warmest temperatures across all regions occur from May to September,with temperatures reaching
into the high 80s and 90s from June through August(see Figures 3, 5, and 7). The average monthly
precipitation is low during early spring(February—March) and mid-summer(July)with some increase in
precipitation in August. Peak precipitation is typically during April and May, declining in June(see
Figures 4, 6, and 8). Dry and hot periods would elevate fire behavior, as vegetation dries and becomes
more available for combustion. Vegetation management and other wildfire mitigation measures should be
completed prior to the peak fire season(May—October).
3.1.6 Fire Behavior
This Plan utilizes a combination of UWRAP and NRFIP map products in combination with LANDFIRE
data to support analysis of fire behavior and risk within the RREC service area. The analysis is described
in Appendix B. This analysis assists RREC in identifying areas that are most prone to wildfire to create a
plan to prioritize vegetation management actions to mitigate potential fire effects. In areas predicted to
have the highest fire behavior,RREC can also consider infrastructure improvements that ensure resilience
of the grid. Furthermore,in areas where fire behavior is expected to be high,as a result of fuels,
topography,weather, and past fire occurrence,RREC can work with the community to identify actions
that communities can take to mitigate against potential ignitions and to alert the community to prepare in
the event of a wildfire event.
3.2 Other Natural Disasters for Nevada
As required in the Nevada Senate Bill, 329,this section outlines natural disasters that have the potential to
impact the RREC infrastructure throughout Nevada.
3.2.1 Avalanche
An avalanche occurs when snow on a mountain gets loose and tumbles down the side of the mountain.
Slope steepness, snowpack conditions,wind/weather,vegetation, and temperature are among some of the
impacting factors for avalanches(Elko County 2014). They are most likely to occur during or
33

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
immediately after heavy snowfall,making the first 24 hours post snowfall the most important time period.
Avalanches pose an incredible level of danger to both people and infrastructure(Elko County 2014).
Within Elko County,most avalanche-related fatalities occur in the winter months of January,February,
and March. However, as weather warms in the spring, snow and ice shift,thereby increasing the
possibility of an avalanche. Within Elko County,Lamoille Canyon has the highest risk of an avalanche;
the main road is closed from October to June due to this risk(Elko County 2014). An avalanche may
impose significant danger to utility infrastructure as the snow may crush,bury, or tangle equipment,
as well as interfere with communication systems(Navigant Consulting 2020).
3.2.2 Dam Failure
Dam failure can be the collapse of a dam, overflow from increased precipitation, damaged spillways,
or other consequences from normal operations (Elko County 2014). Dam failures may be caused from
natural aging,lack of maintenance, gradual weakening,poor design/construction,weather, or human
error.Within Elko County,there are 90 total dams; 11 are ranked as"high hazard"and 19 as"significant
hazard."The dam of most concern within Elko County is the Bishop Creek Dam, as it has been declared
as an"unsafe structure"by the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers. The dam is technically non-functional but
still fills with water due to natural weather events such as precipitation or melting snow(Elko County
2014).Flooding due to dam failure may result in the damage or drowning of pad-mounted gear,poles,
and substations(RREC 2019).
3.2.3 Drought
Drought, or a period of deficient precipitation, shows itself in four different versions: meteorological
drought, agricultural drought,hydrological drought, and socioeconomic drought(Elko County 2014).
All forms of drought may result in damage to agriculture, increased fire risk,increased insect or disease
impact, and economic losses. Since 2001, Elko County has experienced five droughts, each ranging from
severe to extreme and averaging 16 months in duration.Nevada has experienced devastating insect
infestation,wildfire risk, and water shortages due to drought(Elko County 2014).
3.2.4 Earthquake
Earthquakes are caused by the release of strain within the Earth's tectonic plates(Elko County 2014).
Earthquakes shake or vibrate the ground, lightly or intensely depending on the amount of energy released,
and occur with no warning on most occasions. Earthquakes may cause damage after the event has
occurred such as surface faulting and liquefaction,both of which cause severe damage to infrastructure
and land stability(Elko County 2014).Nevada is ranked the third most seismically active state with the
greatest number of large earthquakes. Elko County contains over 3.2 million square feet of residential or
commercial buildings constructed before 1974 building code requirements, leaving them at a greater risk
for loss(Elko County 2014). Earthquakes could impact communications,power supply, structures,
personnel, and transportation(RREC 2019).
3.2.5 Landslide
A landslide is the tumbling of rock, debris, and earth down a slope(Elko County 2014). If only debris
moves down the slope, it is known as a mudslide,which is equally dangerous. These events are caused by
disturbances in the stability of the slope and typically accompany heavy precipitation or follow events
such as earthquakes,volcanic eruptions, or droughts. While there is no physical documentation of
landslide events occurring within Elko County,glaciers still remain atop the Ruby Mountains,leaving the
potential for an event(Elko County 2014).A landslide may impose significant danger to utility
34

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
infrastructure as the material may crush,bury, or tangle equipment as well as interfere with
communication systems (Navigant Consulting 2020).
3.2.6 Severe Weather
Severe weather includes thunderstorms, snow, and/or hail(Elko County 2014). Severe snowstorms occur
approximately every 3 to 5 years in Elko County. Snow showers of 1 to 3 inches are more common in
Elko County, increasing to 5 to 8 inches at higher elevations. In addition,the severe storms have caused
high winds,the worst of which have been recorded at 67 mph,resulting in snowdrifts of several feet in
height(Elko County 2014). Elko County has experienced 22 hail events with hail up to 1.75 inches in
diameter since 1950. The county can expect a hail event every 2 to 2.5 years. Thunderstorms,which
includes downbursts and microbursts, are relatively common in Elko County; 72 recorded events between
1959 and 2007 have caused varied amounts of damages,ranging from$1,000 and$100,000(Elko County
2014). Snow and ice buildup, as well as lightning strikes, can cause power supply,transportation/access,
and communication disruption(RREC 2019).
3.2.7 Windstorm
Wind is the flow of air from an area of high pressure to low pressure; the speed of that wind is dependent
on the difference between the high-and low-pressure systems(Elko County 2014). Drylines,warm fronts,
and cold fronts are commonly followed by severe winds,or winds of 58 mph or greater.Windstorm
damages within the county are similar to those caused by thunderstorms(described above)as these events
commonly accompany each other(Elko County 2014). Severe winds impose a threat to power supply
lines and may result in fire ignitions from live wires. In addition,water damage and weathering may lead
to weakening and instability of wooden infrastructure(Navigant Consulting 2020). Infrastructure affected
by water damage and weathering would be further at risk during a windstorm event.
3.2.8 Wildfire
Wildfires,which may be human-caused or naturally caused, can without warning destroy wildlands,
wetlands, and infrastructure. Topography,weather,and fuels are the most important contributors to
wildfires,while the frequency and severity of a fire is dependent on other hazards such as drought and
insect infestation. Elko County has an abundance of both wildfire starters and stressors,increasing the
risk of this natural disaster in the region. Fire may cause residential, commercial,and utility structural
damage to the point of necessary relocation during repair(RREC 2019).
3.3 Analysis Approach
In order to assess wildfire risk in the service area and provide priority areas for RREC mitigation
measures,this analysis focuses on analysis of wildfire hazard and risk(and review of potential natural
disasters for the Nevada service territory). The technical approach to this analysis is described in
Appendix B.
3.4 Risk Assessment and Action Plan
The wildfire risk assessment maps are presented in Appendix C for the entire service territory.
The purpose of these maps is to identify sections of the RREC service area that are at an elevated risk for
wildfire. The maps in Appendix C are scaled to show details associated with high-risk segments of the
RREC lines. Tables C-1,C-2,and C-3 in Appendix C describe those high-risk segments with associated
35

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
mitigation measures. A priority scale from low to high is applied across all high-risk segments to facilitate
implementation based on the intensity of the risk. The risk assessment is based on desktop analysis.
RREC will ground truth priority sections prior to proceeding with Plan implementation.
RREC can use Tables C-1, C-2, and C-3 to implement mitigation measures as this Plan is implemented.
The tables can be revised during annual reviews and 3-year updates to show progress toward mitigation
goals.
4 WILDFIRE PREVENTION STRATEGIES AND
PROTOCOLS
4.1 Inspection Procedures
Line inspections help identify potential repair needs throughout the service area,as well as guide crew
schedules and evaluation of labor resources. Transmission and distribution lines will be patrolled by
pickup or ATV and, in some circumstances,by foot.New distribution powerline construction is built to
specifications for raptor protection. Poles equipped with devices have a facility ID number and are easily
detected on RREC map products.
The aim of the inspection program is to ensure long-term safe and effective operation of the electric
system and informed maintenance. Specific objectives are to:
A. Identify maintenance actions,particularly those that require immediate attention.
B. Develop an implementation schedule of corrective actions.
C. Schedule labor and develop budgets.
D. Identify and initiate ongoing maintenance programs.
4.1.1 Inspection Schedule
Distribution facilities including underground lines will be inspected on 5-year intervals,using systematic
visual and drone inspections standards. RREC personnel will also inspect secondary service equipment at
intervals to identify needed replacement or maintenance actions. Line inspection,maintenance, and patrol
logs will be maintained. Scheduled pole testing and sterilant scatters will be completed during patrols as
needed.
For transmission facilities, intervals between systematic visual(and possibly drone) inspections should
not exceed 1 year. This also includes updating of line inspection,patrol, and maintenance logs.
4.1.2 Documentation
RREC will maintain all inspection and maintenance records for future reference.
4.1.3 On-site Repair
During the inspection process, RREC operations personnel will implement repairs as feasible. The Line
Superintendent will schedule any additional repairs through a service order.All persons performing work
on the electrical infrastructure will be qualified electrical workers, or under the direct supervision of a
qualified electrical worker.
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
4.1.4 Responsibility
All ongoing maintenance and inspection programs are the responsibility of the Line Superintendent.
The Line Superintendent and Operations Superintendent are responsible for reviewing records involving
maintenance and inspection reports. From these reports, an annual summary is to be provided to RREC's
General Manager/CEO as a key indicator to the Board of Directors.
4.1.5 Recommendation
Many utilities include insulator washing in areas where distribution or transmission lines
experience excessive dirt and dust accumulation. During late summer,when insulators may be most
contaminated,a small amount of precipitation can result in insulator flashover and potential fire
risk. For Raft River,rather than dirt and dust, salt from the Great Salt Lake can contaminate
insulators with rain, causing insulator flashover and increasing fire risk. Furthermore, old and
desiccated bird nests can become wet and cause similar problems. For RREC, insulator washing
may be a practice for consideration ahead of the fire season and into late summer.
4.2 Wood Pole Test Program
The general condition and care of wood poles provide increased protection against pole failures due to
degradation,wind, and/or ice loading. The intent of a wood pole test program is to limit pole related
failures,loss of service to customers, and potential risk of wildfire.
4.3 Vegetation Management Protocols
4.3.1 Federal Regulatory Requirements
4.3.1.1 FIRE SAFETY AND RELIABILITY STANDARDS
RREC will comply with all fire safety and bulk-power supply reliability standards and requirements,
including the following:
a. North American Electric Reliability Corporation(NERC)FAC-003: the national
reliability standard for maintaining the minimum vegetation clearance distance for
powerline facilities that carry at least 230 kV of electricity and for certain other powerline
facilities identified as critical by NERC;
b. The National Electric Safety Code and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
Standards: standards that specify the minimum clearance between conductors(wires) and
workers,tools, or vegetation under normal operating conditions; and
c. American National Standards Institute(ANSI)A300: the national standard used by
industry and governments to develop written specifications for projects involving pruning
or removal of vegetation.
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
4.3.1.2 FLPMA RIGHT-OF-WAY REGULATIONS
The USFS and BLM jointly developed procedures for review and approval of proposed operating plans
and agreements for special use authorizations for powerline facilities in Section 512 of the FLPMA.
The following sections outline the approach that these agencies are taking to the implementation of the
legislation.
This Plan has been developed to inform the future development of an RREC Agreement,which is
required for adherence to Section 512.
4.3.1.2.1 Bureau of Land Management Implementation of Section 512 of
FLPMA
The 2020 BLM Instruction Memorandum No. IM-2020-009, for the implementation of Section 512 on
BLM land,recognizes that electric transmission and distribution facility ROW holders have the authority
to conduct routine operations and maintenance(O&M)activities within their ROW(see 43 CFR
2805.14(a)). ROW holders must also do everything reasonable to prevent and suppress wildfire within or
near the ROW area(43 CFR 2805.12(a)(4)), and comply with project-specific terms, conditions, and
stipulations,including any requirements to control or prevent damage to property, and public safety
(43 CFR 2805.12(a)(8)(iii)).
To facilitate and expedite O&M activities necessary to reduce the risk of wildfire,through the Instruction
Memorandum the BLM informed ROW holders that they are authorized and responsible for carrying out
O&M work to prevent wildfires and requested that they notify the Authorized Officers within 30 days of
completing such work. RREC is to inform the BLM of the location,access route,type of work, acreage of
treatment area, equipment use, start and end dates,biological data or cultural survey data,best
management practices, company contacts, and BLM aerial number for the ROW(BLM 2020).
RREC will ensure that these requirements are addressed during development of the Operating Plan,
to occur following completion of this Plan.
4.3.1.2.2 U.S. Forest Service Implementation of Section 512 of FLPMA
As described in the 2020 FSH 2709.11 Special Use Handbook, Chapter 80(Operating Plans and
Agreements for Powerline Facilities), Section 512 of the FLPMA and its implementing regulations
govern the development, inspection, and operation and maintenance of electric transmission and
distribution line facilities on NFS land. Section 512 operating plans and agreements apply inside the
linear ROWS for powerline facilities and on NFS land adjacent to either side of the ROW as provided for
in the directive.
The goal of approved operating plans and agreements is to provide for long-term, cost-effective,
efficient, and timely inspection, O&M activities, and vegetation management of powerline facilities
on NFS land within the linear ROW for the powerline facilities and on NFS land adjacent to either
side of the ROW as provided in this directive. Other goals include electrical grid reliability
enhancement,public safety promotion, and fire hazard avoidance.
The directive establishes specific requirements and procedures for operating plans and agreements
for USFS special use authorizations, consistent with section 512 of FLPMA and USFS special use
regulations at 36 CFR 251(b). RREC will ensure that these requirements are addressed during
development of the Operating Plan, to occur following completion of the Plan.
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
4.3.1.2.3 Special Use Authorizations/Right-of-Way Grants
On federal land,vegetation management and O&M activities implemented by RREC or its contractors
will adhere to the specifications outlined in each ROW special use authorization/ROW grant. RREC holds
multiple existing permits that cover routine maintenance and emergency work within the granted ROW.
4.3.2 Procedure
Vegetation management on RREC lines is focused on maintaining radial clearance around the line,
treating vegetation that may be growing from beneath the lines, and removing high-risk trees that pose a
threat to the line due to their potential to fall into and across the ROW. Furthermore, although low-
growing vegetation is needed in the ROW to prevent soil erosion,tall trees and shrubs should be kept
clear to minimize the impacts to the powerlines in the event of a wildfire.
The RREC Operations Superintendent is responsible for coordinating activities to identify and remove
vegetation that approaches high-voltage distribution and transmission lines.
• Trees are trimmed to prevent contact with powerline structures if not able to be removed
completely from the hazardous area. Trees that are able to be removed from the ROW are cut
down with chainsaws,hauled away, and, in most cases, shredded with a tree shredder attached to
an excavator. Vegetation trimming should be employed to avoid contact with, as well as
proximity to, infrastructure and to ensure that the tree will not grow to within a hazardous
distance before the next inspection(arc distance),resulting in an arc fault.Vegetation clearance
will be based on inspection frequency, for example,removing all vegetation that is close enough
to cause a fault or that could cause a fault in the next 2 years.
• RREC continually reduces fire risk related to using motorized equipment in highly vegetated
areas by walking or carrying a fire extinguisher or other available method of fire suppression.
• RREC will seek required government permits or applicable authorization for vegetation and tree
removal or trimming, in accordance with federal, state,municipal, and tribal laws,ordinances,
rules, and regulations. RREC shall seek to trim/remove vegetation and/or trees that present an
immediate hazard, danger,or substantial risk to the RREC's system, employees, or public safety.
In addition, RREC shall seek to trim/remove vegetation that could present a hazard before the
next inspection. In drought-prone areas where tree growth is stunted, growth can rebound when
drought conditions abate. RREC will consider the fact that growth rates can be nonlinear when
establishing inspections frequency.
• RREC defines a hazardous tree as a tree that is"dead, severely damaged, or may present
reasonable risks to RREC lines and facilities."RREC may opt to remove a landowner's
hazardous tree based on an assessment of public health and safety. A hazardous tree shall be
removed or pruned in accordance with this policy to mitigate safety hazards.
• RREC will strive to remove all trees(hazardous or not)that are growing beneath lines in the
public ROW or RREC ROW. Trees that can be reasonably removed from a private ROW will be
removed with the landowner's permission. RREC will endeavor to remove all trees while they are
small and before they pose a hazard to the line. RREC has no affirmative duty to remove trees
outside the RREC ROWs.With a written request from a landowner,RREC may assist the
landowner with the removal of a hazardous tree outside the ROW, as long as RREC has identified
the tree as a hazardous tree. During future development of a Section 512—compliant Operating
Plan,RREC will work with federal agencies to address management of hazard trees outside of the
ROW. High-risk sections are identified in Appendix C.
39

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
o The landowner is responsible for the removal of branches and other debris following
vegetation and tree removal, in or outside of the ROW.All stumps shall be cut to ground
level. Complete stump removal is the responsibility of the landowner.
• RREC will maintain and control vegetation and trees on all RREC property, including substations
and fenced boundaries.
• Any structure with a facility ID number that has an attached device(e.g.,transformers, fuses,
capacitor banks,regulator banks,underground take-offs)is treated with herbicides to manage
vegetation around its base.Every structure on the 138-kV transmission line is also numbered and
treated with herbicides to manage vegetation around its base. RREC will focus vegetation
management efforts on those poles and sections of line containing devices that may increase
wildfire risk. During development of a Section 512—compliant Operating Plan,RREC will
identify poles and sections of line that require increased pole clearance. High-risk sections are
identified in Appendix C of this Plan.
• RREC will encourage members to report trees that are potential hazards,in and outside the ROW,
that may become a threat to public safety and/or the system's reliability.
• RREC will annually budget an amount sufficient to secure the services of an independent tree
contractor, or to utilize in-house resources to assist with its vegetation management program,
including tree removal when authorized,tree trimming, and application of herbicide within the
ROW.
• RREC will comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations concerning the use
of herbicides within a ROW, adhering to all stipulations outlined in ROW special use
authorizations and grants.
• The activities of the vegetation management program will be documented and maintained
annually by the Operations Manager.
• RREC will monitor the growth of vegetation during inspections.
• In the event of a fire,in an effort to protect RREC poles, other forms of vegetation management
will be employed, including clearing around poles using backhoes and excavators. Hard-to-reach
areas will also be accessed by foot and cleared with shovels, axes, and weed-eaters. This would
be the case for tangent poles that are in distribution lines that do not contain any devices.Any
action taken during an active wildfire on federal lands must be coordinated through the Incident
Commander. Communication must be established to ensure safety of incident responders. PPE
must be worn at all times.
• Vegetation management actions will be focused on areas of line projected to experience the
greatest wildfire hazard and risk. These high-risk sections are identified in Appendix C. During
development of a Section 512—compliant Operating Plan,RREC will work with the federal
agencies to determine instances when priority vegetation management may trigger surveys and
consultation for adherence to the Endangered Species Act and the National Historic Preservation
Act.
4.3.3 Inspection Standards
RREC will perform periodic inspections of its distribution and transmission lines to monitor the growth of
vegetation. The intent is to ensure that all distribution lines are inspected every 5 years and all
transmission lines are inspected every year. RREC will devote the necessary resources to remove any
vegetation that has the potential of interfering with its lines.
40

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
These inspections will include visual line patrols,vehicle patrols, and potentially drone patrols, and will
fulfill the requirement of a vegetation inspection and general maintenance inspection.
4.3.4 Clearance Standards
To adhere to RUS standards,there must be a minimum of 10 feet of clearance on either side of
infrastructure. In total,the cleared width for infrastructure will be a minimum of 30 feet(Figure 9).
I I
30 Fr.
Ic
N,
� I
ELEVATION
AFTER CLEARING Underbrush
` , S
NOTE: BEFORE CLEARING
Cho"ga suffix of drawing number to designate clearing
width. a. . M1.30C specifies 30 foot wide clear."
RIGHT—OF—WAY CLEARING GUIDE
f1EC 1998
RUS M 1.30G
Figure 9. ROW clearing guide.
4.3.5 Responsibility
The System Program Coordinator is responsible for ongoing vegetation management, including record
keeping of tree trimming to ensure the safety of landowners,employees,and the public.
The Operations Superintendent is responsible for reviewing records involving vegetation management,
modifications, and upgrades to infrastructure.
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
4.3.6 Recommendations
For ROWS throughout Nevada, Senate Bill 329 requires that RREC adheres to clearance
specifications outlined in Appendix A of the International WUI Code (International Code Council
2020). This includes the following specifications:
• Persons owning, controlling,operating, or maintaining electrical transmission or distribution
lines shall have an approved program in place that identifies poles or towers with equipment
and hardware types that have a history of becoming an ignition source, and provide a
combustible-free space consisting of a clearing not less than 10 feet in each direction from the
outer circumference of such pole or tower.
• Minimum clearance between vegetation and electrical lines at the time of trimming:
o Line voltages 2,400-72,000: 4 feet
o Line voltages 72,001-110,000: 6 feet
o Line voltages 110,001-300,000: 10 feet
o Line voltages 300,001 or more: 15 feet
Clearances not less than these shall be maintained during periods of time as designated by the code
official. The site-specific clearance achieved at the time of treatment shall vary based on species
growth rates,the utility company—specific trim cycle,the potential line sway due to wind,line sag due
to electrical loading and ambient temperature, and the tree's location in proximity to the high-voltage
lines. The code official is authorized to establish different minimum clearances when evidence
substantiating other such clearances is submitted to and approved by the official.
• Minimum clearances between vegetation and electrical lines to be maintained:
o Line voltages 750-35,000: 6 inches
o Line voltages 35,001-60,000: 12 inches
o Line voltages 60,001-115,000: 19 inches
o Line voltages 115,001-230,000: 30.5 inches
o Line voltages 230,001-500,000: 115 inches
• During emergencies,the utility shall perform the required work to the extent necessary to
clear the hazard. An emergency can include trees falling into powerlines or trees in violation
of the above minimum clearances.
• The code official is authorized to give notice to the owner of the property on which conditions
regulated by the WUI code exist to correct such conditions. If the owner fails to correct such
conditions,the legislative body of the jurisdiction is authorized to cause the same to be done
and make the expense of such a correct a lien on the property where such a condition exists.
• Vegetation that, at maturity,would grow to within 10 feet of energized conductors shall not
be planted under or adjacent to energized powerlines.
Vegetation clearance should be prioritized by high-risk line segments as delineated in Appendix C.
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
4.4 System Improvements
RREC's infrastructure is designed, constructed, and maintained to meet or exceed relevant federal, state,
industry,and rural utility standards. The RREC also utilizes a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
(SCADA)device to support system automation.
In addition, RREC monitors and follows as appropriate the National Electric Safety Code. In addition to
adhering to all standards,RREC will consider some or all of the following system hardening solutions:
• Provide additional access roads along the powerline ROW and maintain standards.
• Ensure vegetation clearances around transmission structure poles,with a minimum radius of
10 feet.
• Adopt alternative technologies for system improvements. This could include live-feed camera
technology,wire-break sensing, and arc detection technology.
RREC's system does not have an impact on the reliability or operability of the national bulk electric
system grid. This is because the transmission system is a radial feed, serving only areas within rural
communities; it is not directly tied to any transmission-critical pathways. Any event,whether it be natural
or human-made,will only affect the system and customers of RREC.
4.4.1 Raptor Protocols
Most new powerlines are constructed for raptor protection, accomplished by having wider spacing
between phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground. Line hoses,plastic bird caps, and bird guards are used in
specifically potential problem areas. In cases where nesting continues to be a problem,nests are moved,
and additional structures may be constructed away from the powerline to prevent contact.
4.4.2 Powerline Construction Procedures
When new powerline construction or replacement occurs during high fire risk, special precautions are
followed. Fire extinguishers are verified and readily accessible,backhoes are readily available, and
wheeled water tanks with pumps are also close by in case of emergencies. Safety is the top priority when
traveling across dry,highly vegetated areas with motorized vehicles. In cases where there is extremely
high risk,walking and hand tools are the best option to complete work, if possible,to reduce ignition risk.
4.4.3 Data Acquisition
RREC operates a data acquisition system throughout its network. Every reclosure in all substations, and a
few other reclosures that have communication capabilities, send an alert when they sense a fault
downstream or have other problems.Alerts are delivered to key personnel, and during high fire danger,
personnel are dispatched to inspect the location. This system provides greater situational awareness of
potential faults that may elevate wildfire hazard.
4.4.4 System Improvement Schedule
RREC is considering the following system improvements and schedule(Table 7). Priority is given to
those improvements that would meet program objectives in the most expeditious and economical way.
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
Table 7. System Improvement Schedule
Item Description 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
Sterilize around all structures X
with devices on distribution lines
Drone patrolling X
Replace porcelain cutouts X
Replace Knox insulators X
4.4.5 System Hardening
System hardening and infrastructure modernization are initiatives that can be followed to mitigate the risk
of ignitions and improve resiliency to wildfire from outside sources. Many initiatives would need to be
built into long-range budgeting at the RREC.
4.4.5.1 RECOMMENDATIONS
MThere are several industry best practices that RREC will continue to implement to further
reduce the risk of wildfire ignition from its electric facilities as well as to provide greater awareness of
possible issues.
1. Fused Cutout Pole Ground Clearing
It is recommended that,where possible,RREC include this practice with routine tree
trimming and ROW clearance work.
2. Overhead Fault Indicators
Small,medium voltage class, line hung fault indicators can provide quick identification of
the location of a faulted circuit. With respect to RREC,these types of low-cost devices
could be utilized on single-phase,lateral circuits prone to contact with vegetation. In the
case of a minor contact with a tree,the normal line protection, fuse or recloser,may not
see sufficient current to trip the circuit, causing the risk to persist. However,a sensitive
fault indicator can provide early warning of possible clearance issue before a fault capable
of starting a fire occurs. It is further recommended that RREC include this in data
acquisition alarms sent to the dispatch operator.
3. Reclosers
It is recommended that RREC retrofit reclosers for single pole tripping where possible.
For older style reclosers, it is recommended these be replaced with modern reclosers with
electronic controls capable of single pole tripping. This approach provides for greater
service reliability as well as identification of fault location.
It is also recommended that RREC document all fire season precautions for reclosers.
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
4. 138-kV and Some Distribution Wood Poles
Wood poles present a larger fire risk than steel poles,tubular or lattice. RREC might
consider replacement with steel structures where wood poles may be aging or otherwise
ready for replacement. Similarly,for any distribution pole that has chronic issue with
jumper-related fires or hot spots,fiberglass cross arm or full pole replacement with light
duty tubular steel is recommended.
5. Operating Procedures
Developing formal operating procedures for protective device settings for summer versus
winter is recommended. In general, all routine utility activities should be documented in
operating procedures.
4.5 Emergency Restoration and Disaster Recovery
Guidelines
Building on procedures outlined in the RREC ERP (2019),this section provides practices that can
help mitigate the risk of fire or other natural disasters to critical facilities or functions.
The RREC ERP includes an asset and loss impact assessment and vulnerability analysis that identifies
critical infrastructure which, if severely damaged or destroyed,would have a significant impact on the
ability to serve large quantities of customers for an extended period of time,would have a detrimental
impact to the reliability or operability of the energy grid, or would cause significant risk to public health
and safety. Infrastructure is divided into three categories based on the impact of loss (Category 1 would
pose a significant risk to public health and safety; Category 2 would pose a minimal risk to public health
and safety; and Category 3 would pose no risk to public health and safety). This analysis is incorporated
into the maps in Appendix C.
4.5.1 De-energizing Protocols
The power within this rural service area is predominately a radial feed; shutting down the entire feed is
not an option for RREC. The distribution of electrical power to pumps that provide water for livestock,
crops, and fire suppression is of the utmost importance. RREC also has members who are dependent on
electricity to power their oxygen machines and other types of devices that offer life support. Through a
thorough analysis,RREC has balanced the risk of fire with these provisions and has determined that
maintaining electric supply to members outweighs the potential wildfire risk.
During extremely high-risk fire conditions(heavy winds and prolonged periods of low humidity)in
portions of the service territory that are susceptible to high fire danger(those outlined in Appendix C),the
automatic line recloser could be placed in non-reclose mode to further reduce wildfire risk.While this is
not a procedure that RREC prefers to employ,it is an option under extreme conditions.
During normal line operation when the power flow is interrupted,the line recloser will try to re-energize.
If the fault is temporary and can clear,the power will be restored. If the fault does not clear,the line will
remain de-energized.When the power flow is interrupted under high-risk fire conditions,crews respond
and will not attempt to manually reclose any line protection devices without first inspecting the section of
line to be re-energized. Once the problem is identified and resolved,the crews will re-energize the line
manually in order to reduce the risk of starting a fire.
45

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
Raft River makes these decisions while considering the safety of members, first responders,the public,
and cooperative employees. If danger to these groups is possible,the lines will be de-energized to ensure
the safety of everyone.With this in mind, for everyone's safety RREC's transmission systems should
always be considered energized.
Each substation and some other devices throughout the system are monitored with the RREC data
acquisition system.When there are power flow interruptions,this system sends alerts in the form of
emails and text messages to key personnel. It is RREC's standard practice to check for causes for the
interruption,monitor that section of line more closely,or possibly dispatch a crew to patrol the line.
RREC will work closely with the incident commander in the event that a hold order is placed on the line.
RREC will coordinate as needed with an emphasis on stressing the importance of always treating lines as
energized.
4.6 Restoration of Service
RREC is committed to quick response and restoration practices should service be interrupted. RREC's
first priority is to make the situation safe for RREC personnel and the general public. Once that is
ensured,RREC will assess the damage and determine what is needed,keeping diligent communications
both internally and externally.RREC will then focus on restoring power to the greatest number of
customers in the most efficient manner.
Safety Assess Communicate ► Restore
In the event of a wildfire impacting the RREC service area, RREC will staff up its operations department
to coordinate activities to restore service. Restoration of power will be coordinated with County,
municipal fire,and public works departments,in coordination with the incident commander in charge of
the wildfire operations. In the event additional resources are needed, RREC may also engage contractors
on an as needed basis. RREC would follow the following steps during the restoration of electrical service
(Figure 10):
Emergency Declaration: Fire declaration will be made by the County or municipality with jurisdiction.
Inspection and Assessment: RREC staff will patrol and record any damage to lines resulting from
wildfire. The inspection will include assessing infrastructure repairs,removing debris, and assessing
safety hazards. RREC will work with the local agency in charge of the fire before accessing the burn area.
Planning: Following initial assessment, RREC engineers and managers will meet to discuss the extent of
any damage and develop a plan of work to restore service. Line segments and infrastructure that support
the most critical infrastructure needs will be prioritized.
Mobilization: RREC will coordinate the crews and materials needed to rebuild infrastructure and restore
service. Contractors may be employed as needed.
Rebuilding: Any repairs and rebuilding will be undertaken by RREC as soon as the area is safe to access.
Initial effort will be focused on replacing lines and restoring any damaged circuits.
Restoration: RREC or contract crews will restore electric services to homes and businesses as soon as
possible after the wildfire.
46

Cooperative,Raft River Rural Electric 1 • Fire Protection
Inspection and Planning
Assessment Following initial
RREC staff will patrol assessment, RREC Rebuilding
and record any engineers and Mobilization Restoration
Emergency damage to lines managers will meet Any repairs and
Declaration resulting from wildfire. to discuss the extent RREC will coordinate rebuilding will be RREC crews will
The inspection will of any damage and the crews and undertaken by RREC as restore electric
Fire declaration will be include assessing develop a plan of materials needed to soon as the area is safe services to homes
made by the County or infrastructure repairs, work to restore rebuild infrastructure to access.Initial effort and businesses as
municipality with removing debris,and service.Line and restore service. will be focused on soon as possible after
jurisdiction. assessing safety segments and Contractors may be replacing lines and the wildfire.
hazards.RREC will infrastructure that employed as needed. restoring any damaged
work with the local support the most circuits.
agency in charge of the critical infrastructure
fire before accessing needs will be
the burn area. prioritized.
Figure 10. Industry best practice for • - •• • restoration of electrical service during and following a wildfire.

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
Restoration of services will be prioritized depending on the specific incident,the RREC Emergency
Response Plan, and available resources. Priorities for restoration include:
• Public and worker safety
• Members depending on life support and other critical members
• Critical infrastructure,including county and municipal facilities,the Sheriff's department,police
and fire departments, other infrastructure(water, sewage, gas,communications),and incident
command sites
• Major commercial activities/accounts
• Reducing the total number of members affected
• Reducing the length of time members have been without power.
General guidelines for restoration priorities as outlined in the ERP are as follows:
1. Transmission
2. Substations
3. Distribution circuit breakers and reclosers
4. Distribution fuses/taps
5. Distribution transformers and individual services
4.6.1 Response Teams
A schedule is developed yearly and formulated such that there are always two on-call linemen available
within 20 minutes of the main office. The Cooperative Response Center is forwarded this information and
notified if there are any temporary or permanent changes to the schedule. These linemen are the first
responders to an event. It is the responsibility of these personnel to work together to assess the situation
and obtain additional help as needed. The Line Superintendent or Line Foreman will assist the on-call
linemen in obtaining additional support if required. The Western Division Line Superintendent will also
be involved as needed, especially if the interruption is in the areas of Owyhee/Mountain City.
4.6.2 Work Location Prioritization
Prioritization of work locations will be consistent with restoration criteria and guidelines. Within those
guidelines the following will be considered:
• Safety
• Member count
• Outage curation
• Crew availability
• Efficient routing of crews
• Other priority considerations identified by external sources (i.e., critical members,requirements
of government agencies,etc.)
• Weather conditions
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
4.6.3 Resource Utilization
If the first responders determine that additional resources will be required,they will contact the Line
Superintendent. The Line Superintendent will review the restoration criteria and guidelines and secure
additional resources as required.
If resources are required beyond RREC's existing inventories and in-house workforce,the Line
Superintendent will coordinate with the Operations Superintendent, and the following resources will be
utilized:
• A mutual assistance agreement is in place with the Idaho Consumer Owned Utilities
• RREC is a member of the Utah Rural Electric Association and the Nevada Rural Electric
Association and participates in their mutual aid assistance programs.
• Agreements are in place with Probst Electric to provide equipment,construction, and repair
contracting services.
5 SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
Situational awareness is a critical element for safe and reliable operation of the electric transmission and
distribution systems. RREC addresses situational awareness through three specific operating procedures:
1)monitoring of local and regional weather events, 2) identifying potential for additional resources to
address extreme weather events, and 3)evaluation of potential need for mutual aid through coordination
with local government agencies. Furthermore,RREC works to make all employees and members aware of
the danger of wildfire and potential risk reduction actions through education and outreach efforts such as
safety demonstrations to the public,emergency responders,and others and educating the public about the
placement of trees relative to the line before they plant.
5.1 Recommendations
MAdvances in technology are supporting utilities in improving situational awareness
related to wildfire. Improved situational awareness tools can help RREC better understand real time
and projected weather and fire conditions,respond faster to threats,reduce fire ignitions, and reduce
the frequency and severity of potential fire starts. Tools for RREC to consider incorporating into the
system include more localized weather reporting tools,increased weather stations, and increased high-
definition cameras;utilizing satellite fire detection systems; establishing wildfire safety operations
centers to monitor fire threats; and close coordination with fire responders through utilizing active fire
mapping and decision support tools.
In addition,RREC may consider field assessments of the service territory that ground truth the
desktop analysis completed in development of this Plan and help to further prioritize vegetation
management, inspections, and system hardening.
49

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
6 COMMUNICATIONS
6.1 Internal communications
Consistent, accurate, and timely assessment of outages, damages,resource capabilities,and needs are
fundamental to establishing emergency response protocols. Regular,timely assessments will be provided
to the manager of operations with enough detail to enable informed decisions and to determine when or if
the incident should be escalated to a higher level of response. The Manager of Operations will ensure that
pertinent information is forwarded to the General Manager,emergency centers, and other departments
affected.
6.2 External Communications
In order to comply with Nevada S.B. 329, a copy of this approved plan will be provided to the chief
officer of each fire department in addition to each state, city, and county emergency manager within the
RREC service territory.
The following are actions that RREC currently employs and/or would consider adopting in order to
improve public safety and notifications:
• Annual coordination with federal agencies according to existing special use permits and ROW
grants. Coordination includes notifications from RREC to the federal agency regarding planned
and anticipated routine inspection,maintenance,repair, and reconstruction activities.
• Notifications to federal agencies in adherence to stipulations contained within existing special use
permits and ROW grants, e.g., emergency work notifications.
• Coordination prior to fire season with county emergency managers and fire staff to determine fire
season outlook and potential red-flag periods.
• Coordination during emergencies or large-scale outages with county emergency managers and
fire staff in conjunction with agency dispatch.
• Development of communication protocols with county health departments for emergency
notifications to vulnerable members(i.e.,medical facilities, schools, etc.).
• Expansion of social media reach across the service area.
• Development of a web-based map for the public to see current outages and estimated restoration.
50

Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
6.2.1 Recommendations
Additional public outreach options that could be employed in conjunction with
county or local emergency managers include:
• Utilizing local radio and television media to broadcast public service messages.
• Compiling and disseminating information to members regarding community wildfire
preparedness, evacuation, and vigilance before and during fire season(Ready, Set,Go;
Firewise;Fire Adapted Communities)(RSG 2021; FAC 2021;NFPA 2021); working with
state and government officials to provide a consistent public message to members regarding
wildfire preparedness.
• Engagement in future Community Wildfire Protection Planning projects.
• Developing an ArcGIS Story Map with dynamic content that will alert the public of potential
wildfire situations.
• Providing webinars or open house sessions for customers ahead of fire season to discuss
initiatives that RREC are taking to reduce wildfire risk.
• Specific outreach required for people visiting the area for recreation.
Additional agency stakeholder outreach that could be employed by RREC includes:
• Formation of wildfire safety working sessions with stakeholders to ensure pre-fire planning,
fire response, and readiness protocols are documented and practiced before a wildfire event
occurs. This would include pre-planning exercises and scenarios,utilizing a SIMs Table—type
approach.
• Ensuring that RREC is involved in annual incident commander coordination meetings, and
coordinating with the USFS and BLM to be added to invite list.
• Working with stakeholders in the development of hazard mitigation plans and fire
management plans throughout the counties within RREC's service area.
• Developing a living contact list that is constantly updated with internal and external contact
information, as well as roles and responsibilities for internal and external parties involved in
wildfire response and fire management. Consider an online dashboard format for tracking
contacts.
7 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
Plan implementation and the funding to support these efforts will be integrated into future RREC budgets.
Additional external funding may be necessary to implement this Plan.
Anticipated level of expenditures is detailed below. These estimates are based on past experience
performing related work and the assumption that external resources will be available(e.g.personnel).
This information is subject to change during Plan review and implementation.
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
Table 8. Anticipated expenditures to implement the Plan
Category Project or Program 2026 2027 2028 2029
Vegetation Hazard tree removal $80,000 $85,000 $85,000 $85,000
Management and tree trimming
ROW grubbing $20,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
Applying ground $20,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000
sterilant
System hardening Pole and line cover up $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000
Raptor framing and $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000
enhanced hardware
spacing
Application of bird $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
deterrents
Advanced protection $80,000 $80,000 $80,000 $80,000
and control measures
Reconstruction of $1,000,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000
aging line with shorter
spans to reduce
contour slapping
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
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Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Wildland Fire Protection Plan
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