A Step In the Right Direction, But How Will It Help?
PacifiCorp recently announced the opening of its new Wildfire Intelligence Center in Medford, Oregon—an advanced operations hub where a dedicated team monitors wildfire ignitions across six states, including Oregon. Since activating in May 2025, the center has tracked over 1,300 ignitions, supported 35 emergency de‑energizations, and even prevented another 35 potential shutoffs through rapid response and real‑time intelligence sharing.
For southern Oregon communities—like Grants Pass, Ashland, Talent, and the broader Rogue Valley—the center’s presence in Medford offers a critical advantage. As wildfire risk intensifies during fire season, this centralized monitoring and coordination means faster alerts, proactive engagement, and ultimately, more resilient power delivery across these vulnerable areas.
Pacific Power and local wildfires both impact southern Oregon homes and businesses substantially.
Intensified Monitoring and Fire Tracking With Plans to Be 24/7
Staff equipped with AI tools and monitoring systems are tracking wildfire behavior, coordinating emergency power shutoffs when necessary, and giving communities advance warning to help safeguard energy continuity. By centralizing coordinated efforts, Pacific Power can more confidently determine when to de-energize and when not to shut off power—in real-time—to areas currently being under threat by wildfires.
How Much Will It Help Cities Surrounding Medford and Grants Pass?
The contribution flowing from the added technologies and team oversight remains to be seen. However, early success metrics highlight the tangible benefits of a dedicated intelligence-gathering operation. This focus on real-time data and swift action is exactly what communities need to minimize fire risk.
The partnership between a vigilant utility and an empowered community is key to navigating the challenges of a changing climate. As Pacific Power’s new center provides a vital layer of protection for southern Oregon’s power infrastructure, we at Sunshine Solar are proud to offer the tools that allow you to take control of your energy future. Together, we can build a more resilient and sustainable community, prepared for whatever the future may hold.
