Broken Power Line Causes Brush Fire

Willingboro Firefighters responded to a fire involving grass and trees which was caused by a broken power line. At 4:46 pm on Monday, July 5th, the department was called to Van Sciver Parkway near Route 130 for a brush fire. As the crew arrived on Van Sciver Parkway the found a large area burning across from the Medco Health facility.

A broken power line had fallen to the ground and started the fire. Firefighter Ferrell used a 1" hoseline to start extinguishing the fire and was backed-up by Firefighter Rydarowski. Firefighter Fresco checked the area and found both ends of the downed power line. He then advised the rest of the crew of the power line's location so they could avoid the still energized line.

The crew was able to extinguish the fire in a matter of minutes. The fire consumed an area approximately 50' x 20'. Public Service Electric was called to repair the downed wire. The department's Fire Police Unit assisted with closing part of Van Sciver Parkway while firefighters extinguished the fire. All units were clear from the scene at 5:16 pm.