DATE OF INCIDENT: 8/7/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Special Situation
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1600 block of East Lyons Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: On Friday, August 7, 2009 at 11:30 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded one engine company and one battalion chief to a report of a wire down on top of a vehicle inside a fenced commercial yard with the driver still inside. Engine 18 under the direction of Lt. Dale Hopkins established command and made sure the vehicle's driver was O.K. and stayed in place inside the vehicle until the power could be shut off. Verbal contact with the driver was made and it was determined that he was uninjured. After talking with the driver, the crew isolated the area with barrier tape to keep the public back and make the scene safe. The vehicle involved was a dump truck that apparently was moved while its dump bed was still in the "up" position .This caused the top end of the bed to strike numerous overhead power lines. As the truck continued to move, the tension on the wires increased which eventually caused two power poles on either side of the truck to fall over bringing the wires and power transformers to the ground. The Avista Company responded and was able to cut the power effectively which allowed the driver to remove himself safely from the vehicle. Power lines can become very dangerous without any outward warning signs. Some power lines can carry voltages of 500,000 volts. Touching a power line can provide a path for electricity to the ground and can hurt or kill you. Even if they do not spark, hum or "dance" stay away from power lines and consider them all energized and dangerous. If your vehicle contacts a power line, stay inside until firefighters say it is safe to leave. Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. If you MUST leave the vehicle because of fire or other danger, JUMP away from the vehicle so you do not touch the vehicle and ground at the same time. Land with your feet together. Shuffle away, keeping your feet together and on the ground.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Undetermined at this time.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage to power poles, wires and transformers.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 3
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com
END OF RELEASE
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