Arizona utility may cut power near Flagstaff, Grand Canyon to prevent wildfires

Arizona’s largest electric utility said it may shut off power to about 10,000 customers near Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon this weekend as a precaution against wildfires.

Arizona Public Service (APS) said the planned safety shutoff could begin as early as 9 a.m. Saturday in communities east of Flagstaff and in areas surrounding Grand Canyon National Park, including the south and east rims. The move would also affect the communities of Doney Park, Tusayan, Mormon Lake, Sunset Crater and Walnut Canyon among others.

The utility said its meteorologists and fire specialists are tracking conditions expected to worsen by the weekend, with dry terrain, low humidity and high winds creating a higher fire risk.

If those weather conditions improve, APS said the shutoff may be canceled.

“The purpose of this Public Safety Power Shutoff is to help prevent electrical equipment from starting or contributing to a wildfire,” the company said in a statement.

Customers who rely on life-supporting medical equipment that requires electricity are urged to contact APS to register for its medical care program.

Customers can track updates on the utility’s online outage map.

It would not be the first time APS has used the measure.

In April, the utility shut off power to nearly 6,000 customers in many of the same northern Arizona communities after wind gusts approaching 60 mph and extremely dry conditions raised the fire risk.

Power was restored the same evening after crews used trucks, drones and UTVs to inspect miles of power lines in rugged terrain.

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