Friday night on December 28, a large powerline fell to the ground, starting several fires in Vancouver, WA, injuring four people, including three firefighters.
Around 9 pm fire crews were dispatched to a home near Ash Street and East Evergreen Boulevard in Vancouver with reports of a downed powerline. Eleven units responded to the call, and when they arrived they found several ground fires, one RV ablaze, and one victim unable to move who was calling for help.
Three firefighters attempted to reach the victim who was on the ground outside of an RV, but they were unable to reach them because the ground and surrounding structures were being charged with high voltage power and were delivering shocks to them. The victim calling out for help was also being shocked.
Eventually, crews were able to get the victim to an ambulance to administer emergency medical treatment before transporting them to the hospital. The victim was in critical condition.
Additionally, three firefighters were taken to the hospital for treatment. Two were released back to duty while the other was kept for overnight observation.
A spokesperson for Vancouver Fire said about the fire that “there were several spot fires in front of the house where the line had touched the ground and energized the ground around it. There were a couple of houses that were involved, a couple of lots because the line was draping across several different types of things like trees and the RV.”
Fire crews were then able to put out the ground fires, the RV fire, and the fire inside the main house once Clarke Public Utilities shut off power to the entire neighborhood.
Raymon Egan, Vancouver Fire Captain, told news reporters that they do not know what caused the line to drop, and the Vancouver Fire Marshal’s Office will continue to investigate the incident.
Understanding the Hazards Posed by Downed Powerlines
The dangers associated with downed powerlines extend far beyond their immediate surroundings, creating hazardous conditions that can impact entire communities. These risks underscore the critical importance of proactive measures that need to be taken to prevent powerline failures and ensure public safety.
“Downed powerlines pose a significant threat to public safety, especially when they energize nearby structures or the ground. In addition to starting fires, they can deliver dangerous electric shocks to anyone in the vicinity, making rescue and firefighting efforts incredibly risky,” says Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber who has extensive experience representing clients suing utility companies for damages they’ve caused.
“Utility companies play a crucial role in maintaining powerline safety and ensuring that their infrastructure is properly inspected and maintained to prevent incidents like this. Their dedication and prompt action to quickly address and repair damaged lines is essential to reducing risks to the public and emergency responders.”
Singleton Schreiber is currently litigating two suits in Washington state. One is a suit against Power & Light Company for a property owner who suffered damages from the Gray Fire, which broke out in August 2023. The Gray fire scorched over 10,000 acres and displaced at least 5,000 residents. The second is a legal case against BNSF Railway for the Tunnel Five fires from July 2023.
If you or a loved one have been injured or lost property due to a downed powerline, contact Singleton Schreiber today to learn how we may be able to help you. Call us at (619) 771-3473 or email us at info@singletonschreiber.com to schedule your free consultation.
