Dry conditions prompt Avista power-line changes

Avista Corp. is making temporary changes to its power line operations as a result of dry conditions and wildfire risk. The changes could result in customers being without power for longer periods of time if outages occur, officials said. Lines are normally reenergized automatically when they’re down. Now, however, line personnel will physically patrol the outage area before the line is put back into service to reduce fire risk. Affected areas include Spokane, the Palouse and the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley. Depending on weather conditions, other parts of the Avista service territory could also be affected.