Power pole fires cause early morning power outages

Electric, Light and Power crews responded to five separate power pole fires that caused thousands of Red Deerians to be without power early Friday morning.

City officials say the outages were caused by the hot, dry and smoky conditions that created a build-up of dust and debris on the power poles. When light rain mixed with this build-up, officials say electricity was able to travel to the wooden pole and create enough heat to start a fire.

The fires occurred at Taylor Drive near Kent Street, Golden West Avenue, Taylor Drive and 32 Street, Edgar Industrial Drive and Edgar Industrial Way.

Officials say roughly 4,400 customers experienced power interruptions that lasted between 20 minutes and six hours, depending on location.