APS helps Arizona firefighters prepare for downed powerline dangers [Video]

GLENDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — Firefighters deal with numerous dangers while out on the job, including downed power lines.

Things like traffic accidents, high winds, ice storms and much more can cause hazards around electricity.

Sometimes, it can be deadly if someone comes in contact with an open wire, especially for our fire crews.

“It’s extremely dangerous for firefighters to have exposed electricity, down power lines with the storms with the fires,” said Glendale Fire Department battalion chief Mike O’Neill.

That’s why, for nearly 20 years, APS has teamed up with Arizona fire agencies to help keep our crews safe when responding to a call.

“Just kind of waking them up to those dangers and that awareness, and letting them know that it exists is what we’re trying to do here,” O’Neill said.

APS gears its training for new fire recruits by using several demonstrations on the dangers of electricity and fires. One demonstration …