Storm leads to downed power lines, gas leak in Merrill

Wausau Pilot & Review

Firefighters on Monday spent more than seven hours battling a fire and keeping a Merrill neighborhood safe after a fallen tree branch across high voltage power lines created a significant hazard.

According to the Merrill Fire Department, crews and police responded at about 6:15 p.m. July 22 to the alley in the 1300 block of East 8th Street, a residential neighborhood, for a report of a power line on fire.

Responders blocked off a portion of the area between 8th and 9th Streets and Cedar and Elm Streets to keep bystanders away from significant arcing and flames.

Just after Wisconsin Public Service crews arrived on scene a power line broke, falling to the ground, fire officials said.

“With energized downed wires on the ground, a small tree and some grass caught on fire off of the alley,” said Fire Chief Josh Klug. ” The fire was contained to the immediate area around the live power line, but there were significant loud booms and bright flashes associated with the arching. “

Crews confirmed a gas leak was causing the continued burning in the ground and several homes were evacuated as a precaution. The leak was ultimately isolated and the blaze was extinguished.

Fire crews cleared the scene at about 1:30 a.m. with no injuries reported.

“The Merrill Fire Department wants to remind the public to keep their distance from power lines that have been impacted from downed tree limbs or by fire,” Klug said. “Also please report any potential hazardous situations to 9-1-1 as soon as possible.”