FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Thousands of residents across eastern Flagstaff, Doney Park, Timberline, Mormon Lake, Valle, Tusayan and Grand Canyon National Park could experience a planned power outage Saturday as Arizona Public Service (APS) considers activating a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) due to extreme wildfire conditions.
APS announced Wednesday that approximately 10,000 customers may be impacted by a temporary power shutoff beginning as early as 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, if forecasted fire weather conditions materialize.
According to APS, dry vegetation, critically low humidity, strong winds and challenging terrain are expected to create conditions where electrical equipment could potentially spark a wildfire. The utility said meteorologists and wildfire mitigation specialists are closely monitoring the situation and will make a final determination based on weather conditions closer to the event.
“If conditions improve, the planned safety shutoff may be canceled,” APS said.
Areas That Could Be Impacted
APS says customers in the following communities could be affected:
- Doney Park
- Timberline
- Fernwood
- Mormon Lake
- Cosnino
- Sunset Crater area
- Walnut Canyon area
- Portions of east Flagstaff
- Valle
- Tusayan
- Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim and East Rim
APS has begun notifying potentially impacted customers through phone calls, text messages and emails.
Why APS Would Shut Off Power
A Public Safety Power Shutoff is a wildfire prevention measure used during extreme weather conditions. By temporarily de-energizing power lines in high-risk areas, utilities can reduce the possibility of electrical equipment igniting a wildfire.
APS officials emphasized that the measure is being considered strictly as a preventative action and is part of the company’s broader wildfire mitigation strategy.
What Customers Should Do Now
Residents in potentially affected areas are encouraged to:
- Ensure APS has current contact information on file.
- Charge phones, batteries and backup power devices.
- Prepare for several hours or longer without electricity.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed during outages.
- Register for county emergency alerts.
- Have flashlights, medications and emergency supplies readily available.
Customers who rely on electrically powered life-support equipment are urged to contact APS immediately regarding the utility’s Medical Care Program.
Restoration Could Take Time
If a shutoff occurs, APS crews must first inspect power lines and equipment for damage before electricity can be restored. The utility says crews may need to conduct aerial or ground patrols, remove hazards and make repairs before re-energizing affected circuits.
Restoration timelines will depend on weather conditions and whether any damage is discovered during inspections.
Stay Informed
FlagScanner will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as APS makes a final determination regarding Saturday’s potential Public Safety Power Shutoff.
Residents can monitor APS outage information and restoration updates through the utility’s outage map and notification system.
This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information becomes available.
