Chugach Electric is warning residents against attempting their own tree removal near power lines after a recent incident left 2,000 people without power for three hours.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Chugach Electric is warning residents against attempting their own tree removal near power lines after a recent incident left 2,000 people without power for three hours.
Julie Hasquet, communications manager at Chugach Electric, said residents should leave tree clearing to trained professionals. Video shot a few weeks ago shows the moment a tree hit a live power line in Anchorage. An individual rented an electronic lift and attempted to clear trees under a power line in his yard.
“A tree fell on the line and big electricity went through those lines,” Hasquet said. “Luckily he was not injured, but there was a power outage that lasted about 3 hours for 2,000 people. ” The fire department had to get the individual out of the lift safely before crews could restore power. Chugach Electric said they operate a year-round clearing program across its service territory and the utility clears easements on a cycle that generally takes around three years.
Hasquet said field crews removing trees first cut branches that go into a chipper, then cut the rest of the tree for firewood and leave it for nearby residents. The utility clears 20 feet of easement — 10 feet on either side of the center line. Hasquet said clear easements allow crews to respond to power outages faster and reduce wildfire risk by keeping trees away from power lines.
Stephanie Dufek, project manager with the Alaska Fire Department Wildfire Division, said part of the risk comes from dry limbs.
“We have dry limbs that now are in contact with those live lines that could ignite a fire,” Dufek said. “We have this duff layer underneath the entire ground here and it’s a mat of organic material and this rain just doesn’t seep far enough down into that layer,” Dufek said. “It’s super receptive to fire. If someone is injured while attempting tree removal near power lines, Dufek said fire department responders face additional risks.
“If the power lines are still active, we have to wait and coordinate with Chugach Electric to make sure it’s safe for us to approach to help you,” Dufek said. She said the tree clearing done by Chugach Electric creates firebreaks that help the fire department access areas and hold back fires in either direction. Hasquet said residents who have concerns about trees on their property near power lines can contact Chugach Electric.
“We have a danger tree hotline you can call and leave a message, and we’ll come out and take a look,” she said. Hasquet added that if a tree is in the easement, the utility has the right to clear it. If a tree is outside the easement but appears it might fall on a line, the utility will assess whether it is a danger tree.
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