Avista Begins Safety-Focused Vegetation Management Following Wildfires

Avista contract crews will be removing dangerous trees and vegetation near utility infrastructure following wildfires in the Spokane area.

SPOKANE, Wash., Aug. 7, 2026, 2 PM- As residents impacted by area wildfires continue navigating different stages of recovery, Avista is taking the next step to help make affected areas safer. Beginning Saturday, Aug. 8, crews will begin vegetation management work to remove fire-damaged trees and other vegetation that could threaten power lines, utility equipment and public safety near Avista infrastructure.

Fire-damaged trees can become unstable over time, even when they appear healthy. Addressing hazards now will help make the affected areas safer for residents, first responders, contractors and utility crews as efforts continue.

"As communities begin the difficult process of returning to neighborhoods that were evacuated, we want to help make those areas as safe as possible," said Elizabeth Frederiksen, Avista wildfire resiliency and system operations director. "This work allows us to identify and remove fire-damaged trees and vegetation that could pose a risk to people, emergency responders, power lines and other utility equipment. It's an important step in supporting safe access and recovery efforts while the wildfire response continues."

Wright Tree Service, Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC and equipment from their subsidiary, Core Tree, will be performing this work. Eocene of the West will provide International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists to help identify specific trees and vegetation that could threaten utility infrastructure or create safety hazards.

Property access and debris removal

In some cases, crews may access private property to address trees near utility infrastructure. Crews will follow established procedures and work only where necessary to complete the work.

Trees, wood and other debris removed during this work will be chipped, processed or hauled away by crews. In some cases, debris may remain on site for a few days as crews continue to work in the area or coordinate removal equipment. Customers do not need to take any action.

What residents can expect

Residents may notice increased activity in affected areas, including:

• Large trucks, heavy equipment and tree-removal machinery
• Contractor crews working near roads, rights of way and utility facilities
• Noise from tree removal and debris cleanup
• Temporary traffic delays or limited access in active work areas

The length of the work will depend on wildfire damage, terrain and site conditions. In some areas, work may take a few days. In others, it may take multiple weeks. Avista will share updates as crews assess conditions and learn more.

Avista encourages residents to stay alert around work zones and fire-damaged trees.

Safety reminders

Stay clear of work zones.

• Heavy equipment, trucks, chippers and crews may be working near roads, rights of way and utility infrastructure. Follow posted signs and directions from our contract crews.

Do not remove trees near power lines yourself.

• Fire-damaged trees can be unpredictable. Work around power lines and electrical equipment should only be performed by trained professionals.

Expect more activity in the area.

• You may see contractor crews, trucks and equipment as this work is completed safely and efficiently.

customer service at (800) 227-9187.

About Avista Utilities
Avista Utilities is involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy. We provide energy services and electricity to 429,000 customers and natural gas to 383,000 customers in a service territory that covers 34,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with a population of 1.5 million. Avista Utilities is an operating division of Avista Corp. (NYSE: AVA). For more information, please visit myavista.com. Avista Corp. and the Avista Corp. logo are trademarks of Avista Corporation.

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