RogerA crop dusting helicopter clipped power lines causing a 1/4 vegetation fire in Goleta on Friday morning.
At 8:50 a.m., Santa Barbara County and City Firefighters with Los Padres National Forest crews responded to a reported brush fire in the 1100 block of Ellwood Ranch Road in Goleta.
After an investigation, crews discovered a crop dusting helicopter working in the area had clipped high tension power lines causing the wires to arch. One wire came down and started a grass fire.
County Fire Captain Dave Zaniboni reported the grass is still green and moist so the fire wasn’t able to spread very far. It was contained just under 1/4 acre.
The helicopter made an emergency landing in the canyon and the single pilot on board was uninjured. There are no other reported injuries or structures threatened and So Cal Edison has been contacted to repair the wires.
Reported by Roger the Scanner Guy
Small vegetation fire in the 1300 Block of Ellwood Ranch Road Goleta.
Accidents happen! What a bunch of wankers!
“It is possible that there were problems with the helicopter which placed in in a position to clip the wires.” It is far more likely that pilot navigation was the issue. I certainly hope this is thoroughly investigated. I wish I shared your unwavering confidence in the capacity of Federal Agencies to effectively complete their appointed duties.