As firefighting operations wind down across the Inland Northwest, Avista electric and natural gas crews are ramping up restoration efforts in areas previously inaccessible due to active fire conditions. The utility company is now able to assess damage, conduct repairs, and restore services to communities affected by multiple wildfires that swept through the region, with crews working around the clock to return power and gas to residents and businesses.
Expanding Service Restoration Across Multiple Fire Zones
Avista electric crews have gained access to new areas near the Autumn Lane Fire northwest of Nine Mile Falls and are working in the lower Suncrest area, pushing northeast as conditions allow. In the Fairview and Indian Trail areas, crews are operating continuously to restore electrical infrastructure damaged by recent fires. The utility reported that power was restored to the majority of Inchelium by Tuesday as crews continued repairs to infrastructure damaged by the Modrite Fire in that area.
The progress reflects a significant reduction in outages. As of the reporting date, approximately 1,070 customers across the greater Spokane area remained without electricity—a substantial decrease from 2,900 outages recorded on Tuesday. Avista noted that natural gas restoration efforts are accelerating as well, with the utility planning to begin natural gas relights later in the week as conditions permit.
Natural Gas Services Follow Electric Restoration
Natural gas crews are expanding their work areas based on evacuation level changes and guidance from emergency management officials. The phased approach allows Avista to prioritize safety while maximizing restoration speed as firefighting operations create safer conditions for field work.
Heather Rosentrater, Avista president and CEO, told reporters that “Every bit of progress matters, and we’re deeply grateful to the firefighters, emergency responders and partners helping make it possible.” The statement underscores the coordination required between utility crews and emergency personnel managing active fire zones, as first reported by the Coeur d’Alene Press.
Timeline and Next Steps
While the utility has not announced a definitive timeline for full restoration across all affected areas, the accelerating pace of repairs suggests improvements will continue as fire conditions stabilize. Avista crews remain positioned to expand into additional areas as emergency management directives allow, with natural gas relighting expected to commence within days of the reporting period.
Residents in affected areas of the Inland Northwest can monitor restoration progress through Avista’s outage map and customer service channels. The utility has emphasized that safety remains the top priority as crews work in areas still bearing the scars of recent wildfires.
For context on community resilience during natural disasters, read about what North Idaho communities reveal about their people during times of challenge.