Charles City Firefighters Respond to Utility Pole Fire After Transformer Blows

Charles City firefighters responded to a utility pole on fire after a transformer blew Tuesday (09.02) night in the 2100 block of Clark Street. 

A Charles City Fire Rescue Facebook post noted that many people noticed that fire crews didn’t roll up and immediately started spraying it with water.  This is because CCFD was informed that the power was still on and if they had, firefighters could have been electrocuted.  They caution that since water conducts electricity, it should never be used for an electrical fire.

Only after MidAmerican Energy disconnected the power, was it safe to approach and extinguish using a CO2, C type extinguisher. 

CCFD urges always using the proper extinguisher for the type of fire you have. Using the wrong extinguisher may not only not put out the fire, but it can also be dangerous and make things worse.

The Facebook post also includes this Fire Extinguisher Class Chart:

CCFD was also paged to the 300 block of 6th Avenue for a small kitchen fire shortly before 1:30 am Monday (09.01) morning. All occupants had evacuated the residence by the time firefighters arrived, and the fire had mostly put itself out, though the house was full of smoke. 

CCFD notes that several smoke detectors were alarming throughout the house during the call and advises testing your smoke detectors on a regular basis. They also encourage planning and practicing a home fire escape plan.