Oregon adopts Calif fire tactic, shuts power amid high winds

By GILLIAN FLACCUS
Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon utilities shut down power to tens of thousands of customers on Friday as dry easterly winds swept into the region, raising the risk of wildfire danger. Portland General Electric halted power to about 30,000 customers in 12 service areas — including the posh West Hills neighborhood of Portland — and Pacific Power shut down service to more than 7,000 customers. Power shut-offs due to extreme fire weather, common in California, are new to the Pacific Northwest.