Clearwater Fire Dozer Power Pole Strike 2015

A D-5H High-Track Grapple Dozer and a CAT 320 Excavator are rehabbing dozer line along a residential power line. The Excavator is working approximately 300 feet behind the Dozer. Because the sun is in his eyes, the Dozer Operator does not see how close he is to a power pole. As he turns his Dozer to the left, the grapple on the back of the machine collides with the power pole, breaking it off. The power lines strike the top of the Dozer and arc.

The Dozer Operator remains in the cab. After quickly analyzing the situation, he decides to drive out from under the hazard to reduce the chances of causing a fire or of human injury. Once in a safe area, he parks and shuts off his machine. The nearby Excavator Operator—who doesn’t see the power pole strike— suddenly notices that the power lines are moving/swinging. He immediately drives his machine away from the power line right-of-way and parks. A nearby Engine sees the flash from the arc and shouts an alert.

RLS, Heavy Equipment, Equipment, Power Line Incident