Controlled Burns around Cooperative Infrastructure  

Help us protect the reliability of electric service and ensure community safety. Uncontrolled fires near utility poles and equipment can cause power outages, costly repairs, and dangerous electrical hazards. By following these safety steps during controlled burns, members can help prevent damage to cooperative infrastructure, reduce the risk of wildfires, and maintain a safe and reliable power supply for everyone.

Clear Vegetation: Remove grass, weeds, and other flammable materials from a 4-10 foot radius around the base of the utility pole, any anchors/guy wires, and any other Cooperative Infrastructure. i.e. Pad mount transformers (Weed-eat ground as close to bare dirt as possible) 

Wet the Area: Saturate the ground at the base of the pole with water to prevent the fire from spreading to the pole and to help extinguish any embers that might fall on the pole.  

Be Aware of Wind: Pay close attention to wind direction and speed, as this can significantly impact the fire's spread and potential for reaching utility property.  

Fire Breaks: Create firebreaks (areas of cleared vegetation) around the burn area to help contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to unintended areas, including utility poles.  

Evaluate Hazards: Identify and evaluate any other potential hazards on the site, such as buildings, trees, or other structures that could be damaged by fire or heat.  

During the Burn: 

Monitor the Fire: Closely monitor the fire's progress and ensure that it stays within the designated burn area.  

Stay Away from Power Lines: If a fire gets out of control and approaches power lines, stay away from the lines and the area beneath them.  

Do Not Spray Water on Power Lines: Avoid spraying water on power lines or conductors, as this can create a dangerous electrical hazard.  

Report Damage: If a utility pole is damaged or burned by a fire, immediately report the damage to the local utility company.  

After the Burn: 

Monitor for Smoldering: Continue to monitor the burn area for smoldering embers or hotspots that could reignite. 

Ensure Safety: Ensure that the area is safe for people and property before leaving the burn site.