If fire is within _____ feet of power lines, assume that that the smoke is thick enough to short the power grid. Abandon any direct attack and stay at least _____ feet from the outermost wire.
According to Firefighter’s Handbook on Wildland Firefighting page 50, the basic firefighting tactics and safety rules to follow when fighting fire near high-voltage power lines include:
If the main fire is more than 100 feet from the power lines and there are small spot fires closer to the wires, you can continue your attack. Small spot fires do not generate enough smoke to short out the power grid
If fire is within 100 feet of the power lines, assume that the smoke is thick enough to short the power grid. Abandon any direct attack and stay at least 100 feet from the outermost wire
Never work within 35 feet of a high-voltage tower or pole structure
