FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2026
Red Flag Warning in Effect Wednesday; Cooperative Warns of Delayed Power Restoration During Extreme Fire Weather
No Public Safety Power Shutoff planned, but any outages that occur will not be restored until the warning expires at 9:00 p.m.
A Red Flag Warning will be in effect on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Douglas Electric Cooperative is urging members to prepare now for the possibility of an extended power outage during the extreme fire-weather window.
Importantly, the cooperative is NOT planning a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). No one’s power will be turned off intentionally.
However, if an outage does occur during the Red Flag Warning — whether from a falling tree, an equipment failure, or another cause — the cooperative will not restore power until after the warning expires at 9:00 p.m.
This decision is based on the forecast for Wednesday’s Red Flag Warning and should not be interpreted as a standing policy for all outages. The cooperative evaluates each event individually based on fire danger, weather conditions, and the expected duration of the risk. Because Wednesday’s warning is expected to be relatively short, Douglas Electric Cooperative believes it is appropriate to leave the system energized and, if an outage occurs, delay restoration until conditions improve. Different weather conditions or a longer-duration event could require a different operational response, including other protective measures.
Why restoration will be delayed
Restoring power when fire conditions are at their absolute worst is not in the best interest of our members. Re-energizing a power line always carries some risk. When the air is extremely dry and the wind is blowing, even a small problem can quickly become a major wildfire. Waiting until the warning lifts allows crews to restore service safely.
Outages during this event could also be larger and last longer than normal. Depending on conditions, some outages may extend into Thursday.
What members should do now
Members are encouraged to make a plan today. Anyone who relies on electricity for essential needs should prepare for the possibility of an extended outage, including those who depend on:
- Medical equipment or devices that require power
- Refrigerated medications
- Refrigerated or frozen food
- Other electricity-dependent essential needs
Help spread the word
The cooperative is asking members to share this advisory with neighbors — especially those who may not follow the cooperative’s social media or receive its alerts. “We’d much rather have everyone prepared than surprised,” the cooperative said.
“We are not intentionally turning anyone’s power off. But if the lines go down while fire danger is at its peak, the safest thing we can do for our communities is wait until the Red Flag Warning expires before re-energizing. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to keep our communities safe.” — Keith Brooks, General Manager, Douglas Electric Cooperative
Douglas Electric Cooperative thanks its members for their patience and understanding as it works to keep the community safe during this period of extreme fire weather.