Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is urging everyone to be aware of the dangers that fire and naked flames can pose to the electricity infrastructure.
This urgent warning is being issued following an incident near Fochabers in Moray, where an SSEN engineer spotted a bonfire that had been lit below high voltage power lines. The fire had the potential to cause serious damage to the electricity infrastructure, which at the very least could put the power off for thousands of customers in the area, and in the worst case cause potentially fatal injuries to those nearby.
On this occasion the engineer was able to speak with one of the workers at the farm and explain how dangerous it is to light a fire below an electricity line. He stayed at the farm until the fire had died down and no longer posed any danger.
Neil Wilson, Head of Region for North Caledonia at SSEN said: "If you're busy and rushing around it's sometimes too easy to not realise there's an overhead line nearby. As the weather is getting better and the days getting longer, more and more people are spending time outside, both for business and pleasure. We want everyone to be aware of their surroundings, and to enjoy their time outside, so please always check what's overhead before you start work, especially if this involves lighting a fire."
To report damage to electricity power lines, substations or equipment, please call the UK-wide single emergency number 105.
For more information on safety around power lines and electrical equipment, please visit ssen.co.uk/safety.