SUDDEN VALLEY, Wash. — A box truck was entering Gate 1 in Sudden Valley today, June 28th, about 1pm when it snagged 1 or more lines causing a nearby pole to break and lines to drop to the ground across the driveway to South Whatcom Fire Authority (SWFA) Station 22.
According to SWFA Fire Chief Rod Topel, they were able create a temporary safe path past the downed lines to moved apparatus from the station to nearby Station 21 on Cable Street in Geneva. As a result, they are still able to respond immediately as needed.
Sudden Valley Community Association announced the entry lane at Gate 1 is closed and all traffic through the gate is being routed through the exit lane. A Puget Sound Energy crew to remove the wires from the truck and make repairs is being awaited. A flagger is directing traffic through the gate in the meantime.
It was speculated by people at the scene that the extreme heat being experienced today caused the wires to droop and become vulnerable to being snagged by a passing tall vehicle.
An initial power outage was resolved before 3pm. Another outage remained a possibility while the needed repairs are made.