At ACRT Pacific, safety is at the heart of our utility vegetation management solutions. It is demonstrated every day through quick thinking, courageous leadership, and a commitment to protecting our employees, customers, and the communities where we work.
On June 30, ACRT Pacific Vegetation Management Inspector Michael Wessinger was traveling along Happy Valley Road when he was alerted to reports of multiple roadside fires in the area. At the time, the number and severity of the fires were not yet clear.
Recognizing the potential risk, Wessinger assessed the situation and identified a nearby community member attempting to extinguish one of the fires. Equipped with a backpack pump and fire rake, he stepped in to assist while maintaining awareness of the surrounding conditions.
Working alongside members of the community, Wessinger helped stop the forward progression of the largest fire before using his backpack pump to help knock down two additional spot fires nearby. His actions helped contain the immediate threat until emergency responders could take control of the scene.
When CAL FIRE arrived, Wessinger turned the response over to firefighters and evacuated the area as directed. He later learned that several other small fires had been reported in the vicinity.
Wessinger’s response demonstrated the importance of situational awareness, preparation and sound decision-making in the field. Rather than simply recognizing a hazard, he used the resources available to him to help protect the surrounding community while supporting the response until trained emergency personnel arrived.
His actions also earned recognition from our utility partner, highlighting the professionalism and safety-focused stewardship Wessinger demonstrated when it mattered most.
Stories like Wessinger’s are an important reminder that safety is more than a procedure or policy. It is a mindset carried into the field every day — one that empowers employees to recognize hazards, make responsible decisions, and look out for the communities around them.
