Vandals Cut Utility Pole

Fayetteville Public Utilities is reminding residents of the serious dangers associated with vandalism of electrical infrastructure

Fayetteville Public Utilities is reminding residents of the serious dangers associated with vandalism of electrical infrastructure following an incident over Halloween weekend in which an electrical utility pole was deliberately cut down with a chainsaw. According to FPU CEO/General Manager Britt Dye, the incident occurred Friday night around 9 o’clock when an individual used a chainsaw to cut down a Fayetteville Public Utilities’ three-phase electrical pole.

Fortunately, the incident did not result in any power outages or injuries. However, Dye said the circumstances could have been much more serious. “The line actually held it from falling all the way across on top of the road,” Dye explained. “If anybody had been coming through in traffic or anything like that, it could have been a serious, serious situation.”

The pole supported a major three-phase electrical line, which carries multiple electrical conductors. Dye emphasized that downed electrical lines present significant risks, including electrocution, fires and potential danger to an entire neighborhood. He also pointed out that cutting down an energized utility pole creates an extremely dangerous situation for the individual operating the chainsaw, as well as anyone who might be nearby. “This is not a harmless prank,” Dye said. “This is infrastructure that the community depends on every day.”

FPU crews responded to the incident Friday night and were able to make temporary repairs to restore and secure the electrical system. Crews are now working to replace the damaged pole.

Dye stressed that vandalism involving critical utility infrastructure is a serious matter and that Tennessee law takes such incidents seriously. He said the incident is under investigation, although no individual had been identified at this time. Fayetteville Public Utilities is sharing information about the incident to raise public awareness about the importance of protecting electrical infrastructure and the potentially devastating consequences of damaging utility equipment. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.