Power line mishaps start early

MESS: Fire damage to fences and treeline.

Fire crews were called out twice on Sunday afternoon to a Southey Rd property as overgrown trees caused powerlines to arc, setting fire to trees and undergrowth.

Power was disconnected during the second visit, while the Mauriceville Rural Fire Service doused a fenceline of gum trees and pampas grass with foam.

Deputy Principal Fire Officer for the Wairarapa Rural Fire District Grant Davies said it was a timely warning to homeowners to trim their trees away from power lines.

"The onus is on property owners to keep power lines clear."

He said this particular owner had called in tree-cutting contractors, who would trim the trees back before his power was turned back on.

"People plant these trees under power lines and, 20 years later, [they] become an issue."

He said it was concerning these sort of call-outs were happening already.

"Starting in November - it's a bit early this year."

As an aside, he said the rural fire service was in need of more volunteers.