If you plan on cutting a tree on your property that’s close to power lines, the North Bay Fire Department recommends you hire a professional to do the work.
The advice comes on the heels of a house fire on Highway 11 North where a tree that was being cut fell on power lines over a home and the downed wires hit the roof of the house.
Because the wires were live, the arcing started the fire.
Firefighters were on the scene within four minutes but they couldn’t do anything until North Bay Hydro cut power to the home because of the live wire situation.
By the time the power was cut, the fire had spread from the roof to inside the house.
Once the power was cut, firefighters were able to get inside and put out the blaze.
The fire department says in addition to having a professional arborist cut a tree, homeowners should also ensure that branches near power lines should also be removed.
That’s because if the branch is too close to the lines and somehow brings the line down, the arc from the wire can seriously injure people or even kill them.
The residents were able to get out of the home before the fire spread and no one was hurt.
