Lincoln, Nebraska – A fast-moving structure fire near North 34th Street and R Street resulted in an estimated $75,000 in damages on Saturday, according to Lincoln Fire and Rescue.The unusual cause? A squirrel.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene shortly before 2:00 PM. Crews quickly gained control of the blaze, preventing further spread, but not before significant damage occurred to a nearby garage.

Investigations revealed that the fire began when a squirrel came into contact with electrical equipment atop a utility pole. This resulted in the squirrel being electrocuted and sparking embers that fell onto dry brush below. Winds then fanned the flames, igniting the garage structure.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported consequently of the incident. The Lincoln Fire and Rescue Department emphasized the importance of maintaining clear space around electrical infrastructure and trimming nearby vegetation.

Incident Detail Information
Location north 34th St. and R St., Lincoln, Nebraska
time of Dispatch Shortly before 2:00 PM Saturday
Cause of Fire Squirrel electrocuted on a power pole
Estimated Damages $75,000
Injuries None reported

Did You Know? according to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical malfunctions are a leading cause of structure fires in the United States, accounting for approximately 13% of all reported fires annually.

Pro Tip: Regularly inspect the area around your home’s electrical connections, trimming back branches and removing any potential access points for wildlife. This can significantly reduce the risk of similar incidents.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the surprising ways fires can start and the importance of proactive fire prevention measures. Are seemingly harmless creatures like squirrels capable of more damage than we anticipate? how can homeowners best protect their properties from unexpected fire hazards?

Understanding Wildlife and Electrical safety

The incident in Lincoln highlights a growing concern: the interaction between wildlife and electrical infrastructure. As urban areas expand, wildlife is increasingly forced into closer contact with human-made structures, increasing the risk of accidental contact with power lines and other electrical equipment.

Utilities are actively working to mitigate these risks through vegetation management programs, installing wildlife guards on equipment, and developing new technologies to reduce the likelihood of animal-related outages. Though, property owners also play a crucial role by ensuring their property is maintained to minimize wildlife attraction and access to electrical hazards.

The Wildlife Society offers resources on coexisting with wildlife and preventing human-wildlife conflict.

Frequently asked Questions about Squirrel-Related fires

  • can a squirrel really start a fire? Yes, a squirrel contacting electrical equipment can cause a short circuit, creating sparks that can ignite nearby flammable materials.
  • What are utilities doing to prevent squirrel-related outages? Utilities are implementing vegetation management, installing wildlife guards, and developing new technologies.
  • What can homeowners do to reduce the risk? Homeowners can trim vegetation near power lines and secure access points to electrical equipment.
  • Are other animals known to cause electrical fires? Yes, birds, snakes, and other animals have also been known to cause electrical faults and fires.
  • What should I do if I see a squirrel near power lines? Do not approach the animal. Contact your local utility company to report the sighting.
  • How common are squirrel-related power outages? Squirrels are a significant cause of power outages across the US. Data from Duke energy indicates squirrels cause around 20% of all power outages.
  • Are electrical fires covered by homeowner’s insurance? Typically, yes, but it’s vital to review your policy details.