Big Roundtop Fire Powerline Incident 2009

On November 18, 2009, a Campbell County fire crew responded to a new fire with 7 personnel and a dozer unit. The fire was contained around 1200 hours at 25 acres and the crew was doing mop-up. The fire had burned near high voltage power lines that carried 161,000 volts on each line. A yellow poplar dead snag was burning near the containment line and threatened the containment line, power line, and Highbury Road. The Dozer Operator attempted to push it over and away from the power line. The tree unexpectedly snapped off at ground level and fell backwards over the cab of the dozer, striking 2 of the 3 large power lines. The lines began to arc and the tree trunk burst into flame. The Incident Commander instructed the Dozer Operator to sit still in the dozer and not touch anything. The Incident Commander immediately called 911 to report the emergency. The lines were finally de-energized and the Dozer Operator cautiously pulled away from the tree, which remained hung up in the lines. The utility crew cut the tree down. Forestry personnel stood by until the area was deemed safe and finished mop-up.

Power Line Incident