The primary power transmission line in Cochise County is being shut down due to safety concerns for firefighters on the Lizard Fire.
Crews worked extensively on the north and east side of the fire. Driven by winds from the south, the fire encroached near high-voltage power lines north of the fire. The lines are operated by Arizona Electric Power Cooperative, Western Area Power Administration and Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative.
Numerous dangers are associated with firefighters operating in proximity to high-voltage electrical lines. The wires don’t need to fall to the ground to endanger firefighters’ lives.
A phenomenon occurs when heavy smoke is present which can allow the electricity in high voltage lines to arc to the ground due to smoke particles in the air. If this arcing happens when firefighters are present, severe injury or even death can occur. However, to ensure the power supply poles don’t burn and drop to the ground thereby causing long-term outages, firefighters need to work in as close proximity to the poles as can be done safely to protect them.
Such complications can necessitate the need to intermittently shut down the power supply so firefighters can provide protective measures. Firefighter safety is the number one priority of fire managers.
The fire area is experiencing gusty winds this afternoon and evening resulting in increased fire activity. The public should expect to see additional smoke as fire activity increases.
A community meeting will take place Sunday, June 11, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. at the Sunsites Community Center, 1216 Treasure Road, Sunsites.
Cochise County is relocating the American Red Cross shelter/reception facility to the Union Valley High School at 4088 E. Jefferson Road, Elfrida, Arizona. Dragoon Road has had closures imposed between the community of Dragoon and S-191.
For information on the shelter/reception facility as well as information on evacuations and road closures, contact the Cochise Emergency Operations Center at (520) 432-9820.
Dragoon Road is now re-opened.