Crime & Safety

Fire Department: Assume All Wires are 'Live'

Downed wires in heavily-wooded areas could cause complications, according to Lt. Cliff Kooser of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department.

Now that the big storm is over, there are still safety concerns related to power outages and the potential for brush fires.

Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) offers the following tips:

  • Call BGE immediately at 800-685-0123 to report downed or sparking power lines or unsafe electrical equipment.
  • Stay away from fallen or low-hanging wires or anything they contact, and be especially cautious near metal fences.

Anne Arundel County fire officials said they “anticipate and expect” brush fires to occur throughout the region as the week progresses while BGE continues to get its power grid up and running.

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Lt. Cliff Kooser told Patch that firefighters tended to a small fire near the intersection of Solomons Island Road and Polling House Road near Southern High on Monday morning, but that it was a very minor incident.

Wires fell all over the county, some in heavily wooded areas, Kooser said. As BGE turns on its grid throughout the county, the electricity could spark fires where the wires are grounded or not properly secured.

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“[The brush fires] aren’t going to be rare,” Kooser said. “It happens a lot with restoration efforts, with the weather and storms over the years, that stuff happens.”

Kooser said residents should assume all wires are “live,” and that they should immediately call BGE.

Patch Associate Regional Editor Susan Jenkins contributed to this report.


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