Trees trimmed to prevent fires as high winds batter El Paso
El Paso Electric customers have seen a small handful of power outages during windstorms this week, and trees can be a major hazard according to the electric company.
El Paso Electric told ABC-7 tree branches in electric lines can contribute to these outages, and they’re working to trim branches that can be a risk.
Crews started working early Wednesday morning to contain the risk, cutting and trimming branches that were dangerously close to the lines.
One brach making contact with two separate lines could conduct electricity, making it spark or arc, that means a huge fire hazard especially with these unrelenting winds that could feed and spread a fire if it started.
If you notice trees around your home are dangerously close to power lines you need to call the electric company.
“Do NOT get close to trees that could have near contact with our power lines, or at least ten feet close to our power lines. It’s best to call us and we will do an inspection and verify. It is a dangerous thing, electricity is dangerous,” Eddie Gutierrez with El Paso Electric.
You can call 915-877-3400 in El Paso to get your branches looked at.
Customers in New Mexico should call 575-523-7591
