Wildfire Counts Surge, Power Lines Identified as Major Ignition Source
The state of Missouri is moving to strengthen wildfire-mitigation plans for its utilities after an alarming rise in wildfire activity linked to power-line infrastructure. The Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) initiated the effort after data showed that utilities ignited thousands of wildfires through energized equipment.
Over the first ten months of 2025, Missouri recorded more than 2,700 wildfires that consumed nearly 110,000 acres. Of those, utilities reported more than 9,300 acres burned by wildfires caused by power-lines alone. The magnitude of the problem prompted regulators in May to open a formal working case to study the risks and require utilities to provide mitigation plans.
PSC Orders Utilities to Submit Mitigation Plans and Risk Data
Scope of PSC Working Case
On May 14, 2025, the Missouri PSC issued a directive opening Case No. OW-2025-0314, ordering electric and natural-gas utilities to share information on current mitigation practices, hardening investments, communications strategies, and insurance coverage.
The order invited investor-owned utilities, municipal systems, co-ops, and other operators to participate and provide public comments via the PSC’s EFIS portal.
Utilities Respond With Mixed Mitigation Maturity
Some utilities told regulators they are already working to replace older conductors, install fire-resistant poles, and boost real-time fault detection. Others admitted their wildfire-specific programs remain in draft phases or rely heavily on generic emergency response plans, rather than dedicated wildfire protocols.
Climate Trends, Fire Risk and Grid Implications
Missouri’s Growing Hazard Despite Low Risk Labels
Although the FEMA National Risk Index characterizes most of Missouri as “relatively low” fire risk, state climatologists warn that shifting weather patterns are increasing ignition potential.
Missouri State Climatologist Zach Leasor explained that short, intense droughts followed by volatile precipitation leave more dry fuels prone to ignition. Professor Michael Stambaugh added the landscapes and weather in Missouri increasingly mirror those in fire-prone states like Kansas and Oklahoma.
Utility Infrastructure and Wildfire Ignition Risk
Power lines and transmission infrastructure remain a notable wildfire risk. Analysts say utilities must go beyond vegetation management and focus on system hardening, detective sensors, and public-safety power shut-offs (PSPS). Some utilities reported no formal PSPS policy yet, while others said they consider it a last-resort measure. The Beacon
What Regulatory Action Could Look Like
Best Practices vs. Required Compliance
The PSC signaled it will develop best practices for wildfire mitigation that utilities may be recommended or required to follow, depending on regulatory decisions.
Consultants say Missouri PSC’s detailed request—covering modeling, operational protocols, and PSPS readiness—suggests the commission may move toward mandated mitigation planning in the near future.
Grid Reliability, Consumer Costs and Liability Considerations
Utilities told regulators that wildfire risk and mitigation programs are increasingly relevant to grid reliability, capital planning, and credit-rating risk. The data-center growth in Oklahoma and neighboring states may further stress infrastructure. Even though Missouri hasn’t yet seen large-scale utility-ignited blazes like those in California, the PSC’s proactive case positions the state ahead of escalating wildfire-utility risk.
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