Firemen could only stand by. They could not put out this fire. All photos by Paul Goldfinger 5/14/23.Blogfinger.net
By Paul Goldfinger, MD.. too close for comfort, at the scene.
There is a utility pole at the corner of Mt. Hermon Way and Delaware. It is across the street from our house and is ironically at one of the corners of Firemen’s Park.
Late this afternoon a static sound was heard coming from the pole. We were on our porch and as we glanced up at the pole, we saw some birthday balloons, 2 or 3, seemingly stuck on top. There was no sign of fire at that point.
Sometime later, fire and smoke were seen coming from the top of the pole where the balloons could no longer be seen. Firemen came but could not attempt to put out the electrical fire with water. Three high voltage wires were connected there, and if those wires should fall, there would be danger of electrocution to those in the area. The fireman nearest to us said that such a complication had never occurred, but that it was theoretically possible. JCP&L was on its way.
The firemen stood by helplessly as they looked up. The smokey smell drifted and was unpleasant.
Fireman takes a break while remaining in danger area as fire continues to burn, while giving off acrid smoke around. We could smell it in our house. Paul Goldfinger portrait. 5/14/23. Blogfinger.net
Firemen cordoned off the area, but did not request evacuation. We were told to get back.
The electric company arrived with 2 cherry picker trucks and their first job was to turn off the power which they did. The fire was quickly put out by the OGFD. We were told that chemicals were used.
Then two JCP&L technicians rode their buckets up and together they created a temporary functional electrical connection.
At this point everything seemed to be normal but we felt certain that JCP&L would have to be back.—–and they did at 6:30 pm; returned with 2 big trucks:
Finishing the dangerous job: restoring high voltage service and repairing the utility pole on top. Blogfinger photo. 7 pm. 5/14/23
As for the cause of the fire, at first all the firemen knew was that a short circuit had triggered the blaze at the top of the utility pole. Oftentimes an animal such as a squirrel might be responsible. But this time they had no obvious explanation until we told them about the balloons, and that was the answer. They had never seen that before.
And thank you to these quick responders: OGFD, Neptune Police, and JCP&L emergency services.
David: I agree with you 100% But if you bring it up, people will scream. I once mentioned having the utility companies to just come and straighten up their wiring at their cost. Got a bunch of comments saying ‘too expensive, need to go back to North Jersey, don’t change…’.
I have long regretted OG not having underground electric utilities. The poles and wires are unsightly, especially considering this is a historic district. There is an obvious cost in placing wires underground, but they are less prone to wind damage and that from falling tree branches.
Glad everyone is safe!