With fire season upon us Energex is urging property owners to take extra precautions while conducting controlled burns near the electricity network.

Queensland bushfire season traditionally starts in August.

Energex Area Manager Graham Burke said landholders needed to be aware of the dangers associated with power poles being damaged or destroyed by fire.

“We’ve had significant damage in areas right across Queensland the past two fire seasons,” Graham said

“Fires on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast significantly impacted our customers and the poles and wires that supply them with power – some for up to a week.”

“If anyone sees a fire close to power poles or if they see a pole on fire, they should call 000.”

“Just as concerning is a pole that is only partially burnt because it could be significantly weakened and fail at a later date, bringing down high-voltage wires.”

Graham also urged landholders to be aware of their surrounds and remain vigilant to keep themselves and their property safe while conducting any bushfire mitigation work.

“We’re asking property owners to trim or clear any long grass, foliage and rubbish within a three-metre radius of their poles and closely monitor any controlled burns they carry out,” he said.

“For more information around bushfire preparedness head to ruralfire.qld.gov.au.”

In the event of a fire always dial triple zero.