Revolutionary Fire Science Modeling: A Game Changer for Power Stability During Wildfires

PHOENIX — As Arizona faces yet another intense wildfire season, APS is stepping up its efforts to safeguard the state’s power infrastructure. With 38,000 power lines under their management, every line remains vulnerable to the devastating impact of wildfires.

To combat this threat, APS crews proactively clear brush around power poles before the wildfire risk escalates. This creates a defensible space essential for protecting critical infrastructure during the hottest months.

Innovatively, APS has introduced advanced computer modeling to predict wildfire behavior. This model incorporates key environmental factors including temperature, wind, humidity, and vegetation moisture to forecast fire growth and its potential impact on power lines.

APS meteorologists actively refine this model with real-time data from mobile weather stations. These enhancements allow for better visualization of wind patterns in challenging terrains such as valleys and ridges, which can influence fire dynamics dramatically.

With these cutting-edge tools, APS aims to maintain service continuity and ensure residents keep their air conditioning running during Arizona’s sweltering summers. The focus remains on safeguarding communities and infrastructure amid the increasing threat of wildfires.