What is the safety approach around downed electrical lines at a fire scene?

• A. Treat lines as de-energized, approach cautiously
• B. Touch lines to test for energy
• C. Assume lines are de-energized if nobody is nearby
• D. Treat all lines as energized, do not touch, establish a large exclusion zone, and call the utility to shut power off

Answer: (D)

Downed electrical lines are an extreme hazard that can injure or kill even if they don’t look active. Electricity can arc through air, energize the ground, or travel through water, equipment, or a vehicle touching the line. The only safe stance is to treat every downed line as energized until the utility company has shut off the power and confirmed de-energization. Set up a large exclusion zone, keep everyone away, do not touch or move the line, and immediately call the utility to shut the power off. Only after they confirm the lines are de-energized should responders proceed with caution.

Testing energy by touching the line is dangerous, because you can be shocked in an instant. Assuming de-energized because no one is nearby is unsafe for the same reason—power can still be present, re-energize unexpectedly, or travel through conductive paths.