Fire hazard avoided in nick of time

FALLBROOK — Two weeks ago, good teamwork by San Diego Gas & Electric’s (SDG&E) contractor eliminated a dangerous situation just prior to the high winds that hit the area.

Fallbrook homeowners Joan and Peter Krupczak recently returned from a short vacation to find that their 30-year old century plant near a high power pole had sprung into bloom while they were gone.

But this was no ordinary bloom. The green giant’s new stem and flowers shot up alongside the 45-foot power pole and actually became entangled in the high power lines.

Century plants bloom but once in their lifetime and are totally unpredictable as to when they will spring forth with a showy set of stem and flowers. When in bloom, these plants can grow as much as six feet in a day!

The Krupczaks’ call to the SDG&E hotline was not successful in getting an immediate response. Luckily, the next day an SDG&E contractor happened to come through this remote area to check tree-trimming activity.

The offending bloom was spotted and in a matter of hours removed from its hazardous perch among the high power lines, some 53 feet above the ground.

The lesson learned is to be ever-watchful for unexpected green growth that could present a fire or electrical hazard.

More importantly, homeowners who spot an urgent problem and call it in to the power company’s hotline should insist on an immediate response from an SDG&E technician. The call center is usually very busy and may not fully understand the urgency of the situation.