Avista restores natural gas to thousands of wildfire-impacted Spokane customers

SPOKANE, Wash. — With evacuation zones reduced Sunday, Avista crews are making steady progress restoring natural gas service to customers impacted by the Spokane Complex fires.

Over 2,500 customers have had their natural gas service safely restored. At the peak of the devastation, over 5,500 customers lost natural gas services. Avista crews completed safety inspections on all natural gas lines over the past week and are currently performing relights between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.

“Our servicemen are experiencing some of the most challenging conditions of their careers,” said Jason Reyes, Avista gas foreman lead. “They’re entering neighborhoods where families have lost homes, seeing the devastation these fires have left behind, and having difficult conversations with customers who have been displaced and are anxious to get back to their lives. At the same time, they’re seeing communities come together in remarkable ways. Neighbors are helping neighbors, customers are stopping to thank crews, and people are showing incredible resilience.”

All field personnel conducting relights will have clear identification. A service person will knock on your door, and an adult must be present for entry. If you’re not home, Avista will leave a door tag inviting you to call and coordinate a relight. There is no cost to customers for relights or gas restoration.

Avista reminds customers not to attempt to restore gas service themselves and never to use outdoor grills or other items not intended for indoor use for heating or cooking indoors, as the fumes are toxic.

Avista and its contractors are removing fire-damaged trees and hazards near utility infrastructure.

Crews work from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day with traffic control in place.

The company is coordinating with the City of Spokane and the Washington State Department of Transportation on work along State Route 291.

Foresters are assessing conditions in Fairview, Old Trails and Autumn Lane.