Epping Forest District Council has revealed that its waste crew recently combatted a ‘potentially life-threatening scene’ during its litter rounds.
In a statement yesterday, the local authority confirmed that one of its TVS street cleansing crews identified a downed power cable while clearing litter in Theydon Mount.
Due to the dry grass in the field, the ground was smouldering and was at risk of catching fire.
The team called the emergency services and remained at the site until the power company attended the scene to ensure the cable was made safe.
Following the incident, the council has warned that residents should stay at least 10 metres away from the electricity power lines that are hanging low, damaged or grounded, as well as calling UK Power Networks to address the issue.
UK Power Networks guidance adds that electricity power lines should always be treated as live.
Cllr Ray Balcombe, Portfolio holder for contracts delivery and deputy leader, said: ‘My thanks to Mark and Charlie for their professionalism in dealing with this situation, I dread to think what could have happened. We’ve seen the devastation wildfires cause but this could have been life threatening if a person, or an animal, had accidently stepped on the live cable.
‘Fallen power lines often look inactive or completely dead, but they can still carry thousands of lethal volts as well as electrically charging the ground around them. Thankfully they assumed it was live and reported it immediately, staying at the scene until help arrived.’
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