Nebraska farmers play an essential role in keeping communities across our state thriving, and we appreciate their hard work and dedication throughout the year. As the harvest season comes to a close and fields are prepared for the year ahead, we are reminding farmers to exercise safety when conducting controlled burns near utility poles and other electrical equipment.
    Over the next few months, many farmers will conduct controlled burns to clear crop stubble and weeds and prepare fields for spring planting. While controlled burns are an effective way to manage agricultural land, they can also pose serious risks to nearby utility poles, power lines and other electrical equipment. Nebraska’s public power districts and electric cooperatives urge farm workers to use extreme caution when planning and conducting burns near electrical infrastructure.
    Every year, utility poles are damaged during controlled burns in fields, along roadsides and in ditches. The danger is compounded by the delayed visibility of pole damage after the fire has passed. Most wooden utility poles are treated with chemical preservatives, including creosote, to protect them from decay. When exposed to fire, the pole can sustain hidden damage. Embers can become lodged in cracks or other openings and continue burning inside the wood long after the flames have disappeared. In some cases, a utility pole can burn from the inside out and collapse hours or even days after a controlled burn has ended.
    A damaged utility pole can create a dangerous situation for farm workers, local electric utility crews and the public. Repairing or replacing a utility pole can be expensive and time-consuming. More importantly, a weakened pole can fall unexpectedly, potentially bringing power lines down with it. Depending on the location and extent of the damage, a single compromised pole can result in power outages affecting homes, farms and entire communities.
    Farmers planning controlled burns should keep the following safety measures in mind:
    • Maintain a safe distance from utility equipment. Avoid burning directly beneath or near utility poles, guy wires, transformers and other electrical equipment.
    • Monitor the weather. Avoid burning during dry, windy conditions when flames and embers can spread quickly.
    • Create firebreaks. Clear vegetation and other combustible materials around the area to keep the fire contained.
    • Have water and firefighting equipment nearby. Be prepared to respond if the fire moves beyond the intended burn area.
    • Monitor the fire until it is completely extinguished. Never assume a fire is out simply because flames are no longer visible.
    • Inspect nearby utility poles after the burn. If a pole is actively burning, call the fire department. If a pole appears scorched, damaged or otherwise compromised, contact your public power district or electric cooperative. Never attempt to repair electrical equipment yourself.
    Controlled burns are an important part of managing many agricultural operations, but they should be conducted safely. If you have questions about how a planned burn could affect nearby electrical equipment, contact your local electric utility before you begin.
    Nebraska’s public power districts and electric cooperatives appreciate everyone doing their part to protect themselves, their neighbors and the electrical infrastructure that helps power Nebraska communities every day.