Live Wires at Recovery Scenes: A Deadly Risk

By Randall C. Resch A live-wire electrocution took the life of an experienced volunteer firefighter at a vehicle-versus-pole incident in Delaware County, New York. With no disrespect intended to firefighters or law enforcement, live power presents an always-deadly potential.

In any recovery involving downed or low-hanging wires or utility poles, the best life-saving advice is simple: wait for the power experts. Only proceed after you receive a confirmed “all clear.” Don’t risk your life based on a casual comment from someone saying the power is off. This is especially true in rural areas.

A source from San Diego Gas & Electric’s Emergency Management Team explained, “Most utility lines carry 7,200 volts, while others carry up to 19,000 volts. It’s not possible to tell if wires are live simply by looking at them.”

The Dangers Are Real

Downed and low-hanging wires are common at vehicle-versus-pole crashes. As proven in multiple incidents, electrocution is always danger-close.

Incident One: On July 17, 2025, Jason McGlone (51), a 25-year veteran volunteer firefighter with New York’s East Branch Volunteer Fire Department, responded to a truck that struck a guardrail and then a pole. As McGlone arrived driving the department’s rescue pumper, a live wire — reportedly unseen — came to rest on the fire truck. When he exited and touched the metal door, he was immediately electrocuted.

Incident Two: On December 26, 2015, Ed Kammerer (60), owner of A-1 Towing in Strafford, Missouri, and a volunteer fire captain, responded to a hit-and-run, pole-down crash in rainy, windy conditions.

A 30-year towing veteran, Kammerer arrived at a scene reportedly blocked by barricades. For unknown reasons, he allegedly maneuvered around cones, where the tow truck’s amber light bar snagged a low-hanging power line. As he exited the cab, a surge of electricity killed him instantly.

News later reported that sheriff’s personnel and firefighters were directing traffic. It was alleged Kammerer drove around barricades to reach the vehicle. According to local news, he didn’t see the downed lines — echoed by the fire chief, who stated, “They were not throwing off sparks.”

Incident Three: A North Carolina tow operator near Vanceboro was working a nighttime crash with his father. An on-scene utility worker reportedly warned that wires were live. As one operator stood on the carrier deck, a trooper saw metal debris contact a low-hanging wire.

“There was a loud bang, like lightning, a few sparks, and I saw the operator fall into the ditch,” the trooper said. He suffered entry and exit wounds and was airlifted to Pitt. He survived. Don’t Be Fooled

Here are three facts to remember about downed and low-hanging wires:

-- Downed wires don’t always spark. Always look up for hanging lines. If you lack training in electrical hazards, you have no business working near them.

-- Never assume power is off. If a Qualified Electrical Engineer (QEE) says it isn’t shut down, that’s your signal to stay back.

-- Electricity can “arc.” Current can jump gaps between conductive objects. The heat and energy from arcing can seriously injure or kill anyone who contacts live power.

Current That Flows Kills

Even firefighters are not always thoroughly trained in wire-down incidents, particularly in volunteer departments. Tow operators must understand that even without sparks, high-voltage electricity may still be flowing. Never attempt to move or clear lines lying on vehicles.

For recoveries involving structures or downed poles, wait for a QEE from the local utility company. They are the experts.

Even if waiting delays the job, your safety justifies it. Let the power professionals handle the lines and declare the scene safe. No recovery is worth your life. Operations Editor Randall C. Resch is a retired, veteran, California police officer, former tow business owner and industry advocate. As consultant and trainer, he authored and teaches tow truck operator safety courses approved by the California Highway Patrol. For 57-years, he has been involved in the towing and recovery industry. In 29-years, he has contributed more than 775-safety focused articles for American Towman Magazine, TowIndustryWeek.com and is a frequent seminar presenter and beauty pageant judge at tow shows. In 2014, he was inducted to the International Towing and Recovery Industry Hall of Fame, was the 3rd recipient of the industry's "Dave Jones Leadership Award," and is a member of American Towman’s Safety Committee. 

Email Randy at rreschran@gmail.com.