CLEARLAKE — Power lines came down in high winds on Tuesday that sent sparks flying on Austin Road at Schultz Drive. The incident disrupted electrical service as well as cable television.
Lake County Fire Protection District responded around 8:26 p.m. to the 14700 block of Austin Road to find two downed power lines lying across a fence. According to the district”s report, the downed lines were arcing causing the fence to ignite.
Upon arrival, personnel encountered area residents trying to put the fire out by throwing dirt on the flames with shovels. Bystanders were cleared from the area in order to prevent injury and fire personnel and Clearlake Police Department officials secured the area.
According to the report prepared by Battalion Chief George Murch, fire personnel used hose lines to control the fire by using short nozzle bursts. PG&E responded and isolated power and fire units mopped up the area.
Shortly after arrival, fire personnel were advised of a second fire in the area at the Schultz at Valley Avenue. Battalion Chief 704 was directed to the area and reported a small grass fire, which he was able to contain himself. According to the report, the grass fire had been ignited from a telephone company ground wire being energized from PG&E wires lying across telephone wires.
There were no injuries reported in the incident. A small area of the fence received moderate damage and minor damage was caused to a vehicle as a result of molten aluminum dropping on it from the arcing power lines.
Owner of the fence and vehicle Cindi Olszak commended the quick response of the fire department and that of the neighbors, who she said helped insure all the safety of the all the children in the area. “Kudos to the fire department, Clearlake Police Department and Volunteers In Patrol (VIP) for their quick response,” Olszak said. “With the high winds, the potential for disaster was enormous. The quick response of neighbors, family members and emergency responders adverted what could have quickly turned into devastation for two families.
“There was a lot of adrenaline and chaos,” Olszak continued. “The situation was brought under control quickly because everyone really came together and worked as a team.”
Although there were no injuries as a result of the incident, according to Murch the potential was high. “Any type of lines down, whether they are telephone lines, cable or power lines, citizens should stay clear of them and report the incident immediately. Even if the downed lines are not power lines they may be laying over electric lines, which would cause them to be energized. Downed lines can also energize fences, cars and other metal objects.” Murch said. “The best thing is to just get clear and let emergency responders handle the situation.”
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
