JACKSON, Mich., March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With the start of Michigan wildfire season in March, Consumers Energy is taking proactive steps to protect at-risk communities by launching a Wildfire Safety website.
This new website highlights key tactics from the wildfire risk mitigation plan, launched in 2024 and the first of its kind in the Midwest. The goal of the wildfire risk mitigation plan is to provide more reliable service to our neighbors while strengthening and protecting the grid against destructive wildfires. Providing an easily accessible resource, the website includes information on wildfire risks, Consumers Energy's mitigation efforts and emergency preparedness measures.
"Our priority is to protect Michigan communities by strengthening our electric grid and minimizing wildfire risks," said Greg Salisbury, vice president of electric distribution engineering for Consumers Energy. "This new website gives our neighbors the tools they need to stay informed and prepared while highlighting the extensive steps we're taking before, during and following any wildfire in our service territory."
Michigan experiences an average of 10,000 to 12,000 wildfires each year, most of which are small. However, even small fires can destroy homes and property, with an estimated 100 homes lost or damaged annually. Historically, Michigan has faced significant wildfire challenges with three of the deadliest fires in the nation. In the past 12 years alone, Michigan's Lower Peninsula has experienced 2,537 wildfires, burning more than 22,861 acres.
With changing weather patterns increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires, Consumers Energy is building onto the tactics outlined in the wildfire mitigation plan. These additions will enhance situational awareness, operational procedures, system strengthening and vegetation management to reduce wildfire ignition risks. Key efforts include:
- Prioritized line clearing in high-risk areas to limit vegetation contact with power lines.
- Enhanced monitoring utilizing weather data and Red Flag Warnings.
- Wildfire risk assessments to adjust field operations and recloser settings.
"Consumers Energy is committed to balancing reliable energy service with the safety of our neighbors and the environment," said Sara Stewart, Senior Manager of Forestry at Consumers Energy. "Our enhanced vegetation management efforts—like increased line clearing cycles—are a critical part of reducing wildfire risk and keeping communities safe."
By investing in wildfire mitigation strategies and providing resources for our neighbors, Consumers Energy aims to strengthen Michigan's electric grid. These investments will also build on last year's Reliability Roadmap efforts which made great progress by reducing the average time customers went without power by over 20 minutes.
Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.
For more information about Consumers Energy, go to ConsumersEnergy.com.
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SOURCE Consumers Energy