Stations Crossed Fingers Amid Burgeoning Western Wildfires

Summer wildfires plagued the Western states threatening Public Televisions stations, though damages were relatively limited. Idaho Public Television’s KISU-TV, however, was immediately impacted when their station went dark after power lines to their transmitter were destroyed.

“There’s nothing left to burn,” said KISU-TV Maintenance and Operations Engineer Mike Studor.

In the Western region the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) Web site listed nine states at the end of July with “large fires” and a total of 72 active fires. NIFC Spokesman Ken Frederick described it as a “busy” but not above average fire season. “All of our sites are exposed to this type of danger and a potential loss of electricity,” said Montana PBS Director of Engineering Dean Lawver. “There are always power outages and there is usually a loss of service [at some point during the fire season].” A replacement transmitter can cost around $1 million, and a translator can cost around $25,000, according to industry estimates.

KUED, Salt Lake City, Director of Engineering Phil Titus expressed gratitude for the safety of his station’s employees. Unmanned translator sites have been recently threatened. Heat waves and draughts caused fires to impact areas that are not usually threatened.

Fires in Wyoming, for instance, came within 20 feet of the headquarters of Wyoming Public Television’s building in July, according to General Manager Ruby Calvert. “This is the only time we have ever been threatened by a wildfire,” she said. “There is not much to do besides cross our fingers and pray for the safety of our viewers and our station.” KUEN, Salt Lake City, Station Manager Laura Hunter was unable to recall a time in recent memory when her station was damaged. However, omnipresent screen of smoke has lingered near KUEN headquarters for over a week, she said