RICHLAND, Wash. – Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland has launched an online database of wildfire mitigation plans to aid preparedness across 19 U.S. states.
PNNL said in a release that this resource, publicly available, compiles over 400 plans from 170 utilities, detailing strategies from 2019 through 2028.
Funded by the Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office, the database is designed to support utilities, governments and policymakers in understanding and improving wildfire resilience. Users can search by location, year, or utility type.
“Wildfires are no longer a seasonal threat—they’re a year-round, national challenge,” said André Coleman, chief scientist at PNNL. “This database empowers decision-makers to see different approaches, understand what’s working, and collaborate on more effective strategies.”
The U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee estimates wildfires cost between $394 and $893 billion annually, with significant losses in electricity. On average, wildfires caused by power utilities represent about 10 percent of wildfire starts but account for 19 percent of the annual burn area.
Rebecca O’Neil, advisor of electricity infrastructure at PNNL, stated, “Our vision is to share a complete archive of all publicly available utility wildfire plans. This open data enables conversations and analysis beyond the laboratory.”
PNNL plans to enhance the database by summer 2025, offering improved search capabilities and analytical tools. Additionally, a comprehensive framework for measuring wildfire resilience is expected by summer 2026, the release added.
