Arizona Public Service is warning that thousands of customers in the Flagstaff area could temporarily lose power as early as Wednesday due to dangerous wildfire conditions.

According to the utility, the potential shutoffs are part of a safety measure known as a Public Safety Power Shutoff, which is used to reduce the risk of electrical equipment sparking or worsening a wildfire. APS said the outages could begin as early as 9 a.m., though it remains unclear how long power would be out if the shutoffs are implemented.

The concern stems from rapidly changing and extreme weather conditions across northern Arizona. Meteorologists and fire mitigation teams are closely monitoring the situation, noting that strong winds—potentially reaching close to 70 miles per hour—combined with very dry terrain are creating a heightened wildfire risk.

APS explained that these shutoffs would only affect targeted areas considered to be at high risk for wildfires. The communities that could be impacted include Doney Park, Timberline, Fernwood, Mormon Lake, Cosnino, Sunset Crater, Walnut Canyon, and Valle, all located in and around the Flagstaff region.

Officials emphasized that the goal of the possible outages is to prevent fires before they start, particularly during periods of extreme weather when power lines and equipment are more vulnerable. The decision to move forward with shutoffs will depend on how conditions develop, and APS noted that the plan could be canceled if weather improves.

Customers in affected areas have been notified in advance and are encouraged to stay updated as conditions change. APS continues to monitor the situation closely, working alongside emergency management teams while preparing for the possibility of temporary outages to protect communities from wildfire danger.

Source: ABC15