Downed power lines are among the most dangerous obstacles for firefighters.
When arriving on scene of a fire, the firefighter in charge usually radios dispatch to tell them to tell the power company to cut electricity to any line that might be close to a burning home or structure.
Fires can get so hot it literally melts the power line, snapping it like a twig.
But sometimes you can’t wait for the power company to act.
Reports of “entrapment,” or somebody still inside a burning home, must be investigated.
Entrapment takes precedence over everything.
I talked to Buchanan volunteer fire chief Billy Joe Carter today after his injury due to a downed power line.
Emergency radio traffic confirms someone at the scene told Botetourt County dispatchers to call the power company Tuesday night.
But “Chief 3,” which was Carter, can also be heard telling dispatchers that witnesses on the scene said there might be entrapment.
Turns out everyone was out of the home but Carter had to check and make sure.
Imagine doing your job near a convulsing, burning, jumping live power line.
That’s why it’s easy to imagine why firefighting is one of the most dangerous and noble jobs one can do.
Thanks to Carter and Roanoke City Fire Chief David Hoback for helping me with their insights for this blog.
Posted by Scott Leamon at 07:36 PM. Filed under: leamon •
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