Work has just begun on recovery from Lower Dry Creek Fire
By Terry Murry on Friday, July 31st, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
UMATILLA COUNTY – The Lower Dry Creek Fire that began on July 15 in Umatilla County burned at least five homes and damaged infrastructure over an estimated 8,000 acres before it was 100 percent contained on July 19. It will take a long time for the land and infrastructure to heal.
Pacific Power’s Simon Gutierrez says the first goal of the utility is to safely restore power. However, that’s just the beginning.
“There’s definitely also long-term work that needs to be done after we restore power,” he said. “That includes looking at permanent infrastructure upgrades or repairs where they’re needed or where it’s possible.”
Gutierrez said the fire damaged more than 130 transmission and distribution poles. He added that the crews undertake a rigorous step-by-step restoration process. He talks in depth about the restoration process on the July 30 edition of KUMA Coffee Hour. A podcast can be accessed at July 30 | Pacific Power – Coffee Hour Podcast – Omny.fm.
Photo from Pacific Power
