Powering Prevention

Across northeast Kansas, the prairie stretches for miles. It’s beautiful, resilient and historically shaped by fire. But in recent years, wildfire risk has taken on new urgency. Stronger winds, drier conditions and changing land use patterns have created an environment where fires can spread faster and farther than in the past.

For FreeState, this has prompted a critical question. How do we protect both people and power in an increasingly unpredictable environment?

The answer is a comprehensive Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP). This is a forward-thinking safety and operational strategy focused on prevention, preparedness and continuous improvement.

Nolan Lewis, safety manager, has led the efforts to develop the plan and says that fire mitigation is not just about responding to fires, it’s working together to prevent them before they even ignite.

“Resilience starts with design,” said Lewis. “We are collaborating internally with multiple departments to make sure we are building a system that can withstand conditions that are surrounding it. That includes planning and training for wildfire mitigation and response.”

Lewis added, “It’s about safety and our ongoing commitment to members.”

Understanding the Risk

FreeState serves more than 16,000 members across nine counties and maintains over 3,500 miles of power lines. That system runs through a region where wildfire conditions can peak quickly, especially in late winter and early spring when dry grasses and high winds align.

Wildfire risk isn’t driven by one factor alone. It’s the result of a combination of variables that play a different role and require diverse strategic responses.

Building a More Resilient System

At the core of FreeState’s WMP is a commitment to making the distribution system stronger. Infrastructure upgrades are designed to mitigate fire by using fiberglass crossarms, replacing aging equipment and making strategic improvements to improve resiliency under conditions ripe for wildfires. Enhanced construction standards also play a role, as well as shorter pole spans and stronger materials. These all help reduce mechanical strain during high winds and lower the chance of equipment failure.

Technology and Innovation

Innovation is another key piece of the plan. Advanced metering systems now allow crews to detect issues in real time, such as overheating equipment or unusual line behavior. This allows monitoring that can mitigate escalation to larger problems. These tools provide faster insight and response, helping crews act before risk can turn into reality. With the ability to identify potential issues, crews can handle potential hazards earlier and more safely than ever before.

Managing What Grows

While tech plays a major role, some of the most important work happens through active vegetation management. It’s one of the most effective ways to reduce risks. FreeState’s in-house right-of-way crews maintain thousands of miles of right-of-way by trimming trees, clearing brush and managing growth to keep power lines safely separated from flammable materials. This ongoing effort not only reduces the risk of fire but also improves reliability for members by preventing outages caused by vegetation contact.

Prepared for What Comes Next

Even with strong prevention measures, preparation is still essential. The WMP outlines detailed operational practices for high-risk conditions. Staff monitor weather patterns, track Red Flag Warnings and stay in close contact with local emergency management professionals. It’s an important partnership when it comes to keeping the system and our members safe.

In extreme situations, the cooperative may be asked by emergency management to take additional steps to protect public safety. When emergencies occur, a structured response plan ensures clear communication with members, first responders and public agencies.

A Plan That Evolves

What sets FreeState’s approach apart is the commitment to continuous improvement. The WMP is designed to be a living document that is regularly reviewed, updated with new data and refined as conditions change. Performance metrics, cross-department collaboration and ongoing training will ensure that the plan stays effective over time.

Protecting What Matters Most

For FreeState, wildfire mitigation is about more than infrastructure. It’s about people.

By investing staff time into prevention, embracing new technology and strengthening our everyday practices, your cooperative is working to safeguard those it serves and ensure reliable service for years to come.

This content was included in the June 2026 Kansas Country Living magazine centerspread for FreeState Electric.