IID helps restore power in region affected by Carr Fire

The Carr fire in Northern California has already burned over 150,000 acres and only 41 percent of the fire has been contained. The Imperial Irrigation District is helping restore power to the devastated region.

IID received a call from the Pacific Gas and Electric Company and responded with a team of 10 workers on Monday, July 30. The crew worked in areas where they were asked to hike, carry gear, and climb poles to restore power in homes that are still standing.

One IID official said the current conditions aren’t something they’re used to.

“The job they do daily is dangerous. The fire is really adding to the danger. They’re dealing with a lot of smoke. A lot of ash. A lot of the areas they’re working in obviously have been burned out,” said Derek Smelser, Superintendent of Line Construction and Maintenance.

Matt MacDonald, an assistant manager of Power Construction and Maintenance, added that it’s important to help neighboring utility companies in their time of need.

“It’s very important when let ‘s say when resources are exhausted. And the need there then they out the call out. Again we assist with the restoration of the system,” MacDonald said.

Putting the power back into homes of residents is vital in disasters.

“It’s vital to the houses. A lot of times the fire will come through and destroy the infrastructure and feeding the existing homes that the fire crews are able to save. So those are the ones that we’re concentrating,” said Macdonald.

IID is sending their best for the job that’s being asked of them.

Smelser said, “To me, it’s very important that they take trained and qualified people to help them. Because you can’t just go grab people to go help you. This is something that you need somebody that can do the work.”

Crews are working 16-hour shifts in order to fix power lines and grids.

They’re expected to return home next week.