Estevan Fire Rescue Service (EFRS) members were dispatched to a residential area in the north-central part of the city Wednesday evening. The call came in at about 5 p.m.
Crews arrived on scene to find that a tree, probably toppled by the wind, hit the power line and caught on fire. The powerline had failed and broke free. SaskPower also responded to the call.
Fire crews established the perimeter to prevent the public from coming in contact with the down powerline and then had to wait for SaskPower crews to confirm that the powerline had been isolated and no power was going through it. Only after that, firefighters could safely begin their suppression operations to put out the remaining fire.
A big part of the tree burnt away. One branch fell on the ground and another landed on a camper parked directly below the fire.
“Once we were given the go-ahead, then we’d go in and we made sure that all fire was extinguished,” said Estevan Fire Chief Dale Feser.
“A real good reminder to all the residents … If there is any time that there are any fires involving the powerlines, you want to make sure that you are staying a safe clear distance away, call 911 and let the authorities do their job safely.”
He added that there have been quite a few accidents involving powerlines throughout the province. In many cases, farm machinery accidentally contacted structures while operating on the fields.
“Any time that should happen, you want to stay inside your machinery. Do not get out … Call 911 and let the emergency responders assist you the best way that they can,” said Feser.
The only reason to exit the machinery that came in contact with powerlines, is if the vehicle starts on fire. In that situation Feser said people should try to jump free and clear, keeping their feet together, and try to hop as far away from the vehicle as possible.
“That way you are reducing the risk of potential electrocution,” said Feser.
People who come across a broken powerline when walking should also call 911, stay a safe distance away from it, and do not touch or approach it in case it’s in contact with the ground.
With recent high wind conditions, SaskPower has been receiving a number of calls about trees and branches coming in contact and damaging powerlines in the area.
“This is something that’s not new. We usually see a higher rate of occurrence during severe weather events such as thunderstorms and what not. But we’ve seen some high-wind conditions here lately,” said Feser.
