Loess Canyon Rangeland Alliance
Rural Electric Pole preparation guidelines- Updated 2020
We find these guidelines necessary for the following:
To ensure the LCRA may be allowed to continue to conduct prescribed fire
In the best interest of the members of the LCRA to continue to obtain insurance
For the right standing of the LCRA among its community members
For the safety of the community
To help ensure the electrical security of the community in and around the operational area of the LCRA
Level 1- Low and medium voltage lines(including tri-lines)
These are the most common lines which most landowners will encounter. Our desired preparation for these lines are as follows:
Mow or trim in a 6 foot radius around the pole down to ground level.
Rake litter and thatch away from the pole so that bare soil is prevalent next to the pole.
In some cases, it may be advantageous to have qualified persons take down tri-line so as not to damage line coatings.
Any trees within 30 feet of the pole will be removed--OR-- if the REA has cut trees under the line and around poles, those areas may be deemed sufficient
When building piles, it is recommended that the piles be moved 100 feet away from the line--OR--placed so that the wind direction on the burn day will push smoke and flames away from the line.
Level 2- High Voltage lines
Many times these lines will be higher and have two or three poles per location. These lines service much larger areas and are considered essential to protect at a much greater cost. NPPD keeps the line trimmed 50 foot back.
It is recommended that the fuel height be taken down to below 2 foot height 10 feet around the pole
Mow or trim in a 5 foot radius around the pole down to ground level.
Rake litter and thatch away from the pole so that bare soil is prevalent next to the pole.
Any trees within 75 feet of the pole will be removed.
When building piles, it is recommended that the piles be moved 100 feet away from the line--OR--placed so that the wind direction on the burn day will push smoke and flames away from the line.
Communicating with the power company that services these lines will be necessary to ensure they are aware of the landowners intentions as soon as plans are made to begin a tree cutting project.
Level 3- Concrete and Steel poles
It is understood that the preparations under the lines and near the poles is the same for trees but that minimal mowing is needed since the poles are non combustible.
Procedures for the burn day
Personnel will be assigned to check poles immediately after the area around the poles has burnt provided it is safe to do so.
Poles will be checked again after initial check once the burn is complete.
Poles will be monitored along with regular mop up procedures thereafter.
It is recommended that any poles that have been charred--or--are Level 2 lines be checked immediately the following morning to ensure no reignition has occurred.
If desired by the landowner, poles may be treated with foam before and during the burn.
Communication with the power company so they know when the burn is scheduled is essential.
Safety acknowledgements
Safety around downed lines is paramount.
At no time should any personnel drive over downed lines without the power company present and the situation deemed safe.
Personnel should be aware of the risk of electric shock when spraying water near charged lines
Personnel should be aware of overhead lines as the fire is burning.
The Committee reserves the right to use good judgement and landowner discretion when applying these rules and may suspend a portion of the guidelines for special cases.