Bureaucratic hurdles making Malden recovery uniquely difficult

by admin | Sep 8, 2021 | Stories

This article first appeared in the Spokesman-Review on September 8, 2021. Article by Emma Epperly. Photos by Jesse Tinsley. The rural town of Malden didn’t have much to offer when it came to amenities, but it had decades of history and a quiet sense of community. That...

OPINION: Utilities should prepare shut-off plans for wildfire emergencies

by admin | Jun 8, 2021 | Stories

This opinion first appeared on June 7, 2021 in the Seattle Times. By The Seattle Times editorial board.   The state’s worsening wildfire seasons require unprecedented action. While leaders in the state Legislature and Department of Natural Resources have stepped...

Two Washington electric utilities opt out of power shut-offs to prevent wildfires in 2021

by admin | Jun 1, 2021 | Stories

This article first appeared June 1, 2021 in the Seattle times. By Hal Bernton Seattle Times staff reporter. Two Washington electric utilities buffeted by serious power line fires during last September’s windstorms have opted not to develop plans for public safety...

DNR Report: Damaged tree branch fell on Avista power line, starting devastating Malden wildfire

by admin | May 19, 2021 | Our History

This report first appeared on KXLY.News on May 18, 2021. By Melissa Luck. MALDEN, Wash – A previously damaged tree branch falling onto an Avista power line caused the wildfire that destroyed most of Malden and Pine City last fall, according to a report completed by...

State finds weakened tree needed ‘closer inspection’ to prevent fire that destroyed 80% of Malden

by admin | May 19, 2021 | Stories

This article first appeared in The Spokesman Review on May 19, 2021. By Maggie Quinlan maggieq@spokesman.com(509) 459-5135. A state investigation into the Labor Day fire that burned 80% of the homes in Malden blames a damaged tree that was blown into power lines. The...