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Power lines spark backyard fire in Phoenix after storms

Posted at 5:26 PM, Jul 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-24 22:14:04-04

When power lines snapped on Monday morning and went down, they caused a fire at a Phoenix home near 48th Street and Osborn Road. 

Stacy Pearson shared pictures of her patio furniture that was destroyed, but thankfully no one was hurt. SRP crews worked to repair the damaged lines.

"The storm season can definitely wreak havoc on our system that can cause downed power lines, and we just urge people to stay as far away as possible, and stay safe at all times," said Kathleen Mascarenas, an SRP spokesperson.

If you see downed lines, SRP urges you to call 911, just as Pearson did. Mascarenas said people should stay at least 10 feet away, but 100 feet is safer. Even if you don't see a spark, don't touch downed lines, and don't walk or drive over them.

"A safe thing to assume is that the lines are live and they can harm you, so you don't know, why take the risk, just stay as far away as possible," Mascarenas said.

You can't tell if downed lines are live just by looking at them.

During the monsoon, heavy winds and downpours of rain can be the culprit, but there are other reasons power lines come down.

"It can be a wear and tear issue, a lot of time we have vehicles that lose control," Mascarenas said.

Officials urge all to stay away and stay alive.