The incident occurred on January 2, 2026. Firefighters:
at 3:59 p.m., we were dispatched to Kraśnik Górny, where a tree had fallen onto medium-voltage lines.
The hazard was removed; fortunately, no one was injured. The operation involved firefighters from Krzyżowa and the power emergency service.
A tree resting on or hanging from power lines can be very dangerous for several reasons:
⚡ 1. Risk of electric shock
Medium-voltage (MV) lines carry high-voltage electricity. A tree—especially when wet or damp—can conduct electricity, creating a shock hazard for:
- people in the vicinity,
- firefighters and emergency services,
- animals.
It is enough to come too close for an so-called electrical arc to occur.
🔥 2. Risk of ignition or fire
Contact between a tree and the wires can cause:
- sparking,
- overheating,
- ignition of branches or dry vegetation.
Under favorable conditions, this can lead to a forest, meadow or building fire.
⚠️ 3. Power line breakage
A tree, especially under the influence of wind or snow, can:
- damage the wires,
- break the line,
- cause the cable to fall onto the ground or road.
A broken line may still be energized, posing a mortal danger.
🏠 4. Power outages
Such incidents often lead to:
- network failures,
- power outages in the area,
- disruptions to the operation of homes, businesses or critical infrastructure.
🚒 5. Need for specialist operations
Removing trees from power lines must not be attempted independently. It requires:
- securing the scene,
- switching off the power,
- the involvement of the power emergency service and fire service.
❗ Important reminder
If you notice a tree or a broken power line:
- do not approach,
- do not touch it,
- secure the area,
- call the emergency number 112.