Power surge causes three fires under power poles

Four small fires were reported over the past week, according to Josh Stroot with the Forest Service.

One was related to fireworks on West Mullan Road in Superior. It only burned a small area before the firefighters from the Superior Volunteer Fire Department, and the Forest Service managed to put it out. It was reported at 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 3.

He said people seemed to be careful this year with fireworks and the holiday was fairly quiet.

Three other small fires were reported near the DeBorgia and Haugan exits on Sunday afternoon around 2 p.m. All the fires were located under power poles as the result of a power surge in Superior.

The surge caused an arch in the power lines and started the fires in the dry grass below the poles. It was windy that day, but the fires only burned about a half an acre. Two Forest Service fire trucks responded, as well as, the West End and St. Regis Volunteer Fire Departments.

There was no damage to the power poles and no injuries.