Caution urged with trees and powerlines
Release Date: 21 January 2008
Hills residents are being urged to use professional tree pruners in the wake of a fire in Gidgegannup. A resident, who was carrying out the tree pruning on private property, caused the fire after a branch dropped onto powerlines.
The small scrub fire in Burgess Road Gidgegannup, attended by FESA and Western Power, started when a branch from the tree the resident was trimming fell onto powerlines, bringing down powerlines and causing the fire.
The fire was quickly contained but the damage to powerlines resulted in a power outage for 44 local residents between 7.30 pm and 3am on Wednesday 16 January.
Western Power spokesperson Marisa Chapman said working around powerlines was dangerous and tree pruning should only be carried out by trained professionals.
"We strongly encourage people to seek professional tree pruners to conduct work around power lines," said Ms Chapman.
"If not properly carried out this kind of activity can have serious consequences, whether it be fire, electrocution or power interruptions," she added.
Western Power recommends that all branches and foliage be kept at a minimum distance of 2.5 metres from powerlines to avoid possible outages and fire.
"We want to keep trees away from powerlines but we do not recommend people trim trees without professional assistance," Ms Chapman said.
More information
Contact us
If you have any questions regarding this media release please email us: media@westernpower.com.au
