International blackouts that affect thousands of Oregonians could lower the likelihood of a fire.
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•On Friday, wildfires and power disruptions weren't just a problem in California
High winds in Oregon caused planned power disruptions that would impact tens of thousands of consumers.
Local utilities have implemented power restrictions in an effort to lower the risk of flames in the unusually dry and hot conditions.
In the Pacific Northwest, power disruptions caused by extreme fire conditions are less common than in California.
On Friday, the Cedar Creek fire in central Oregon was of particular concern. According to Bud Sexton, a spokesperson for the fire,
"the east winds are driving the fire west and we're definitely going to have very,very severe fire conditions through the end of the day Saturday."
More than 40,000 customers, including those in Portland's wealthy West Hills neighborhood,
were expected to go without power by late Friday as a result of planned shutoffs.