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Update: Damage to transmission lines cause power outages

Residents were without power for hours in many parts of the South Okanagan-Boundary regions
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FortisBC said there was two incidents that caused power outages in the South Okanagan and Boundary regions on Wednesday.

A damaged transmission structure, in proximity to Skaha Meadows Golf course interrupted power to about 3,300 customers in the Kaleden and Okanagan Falls area around 10 p.m. on Jan. 17.

FortisBC said crews were able to isolate the section and bring power back on to customers at about 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 18. They are working today to complete the repairs.

“The outage in the Boundary area brings to light a very dangerous situation, especially for people working in the back country and we are very relieved that no one was injured,” said Nicole Bogdanovic, media relations with FortisBC.

Just after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, a forestry worker dropped a tree on a major transmission line in the backcountry, south of Rossland. The incident to the 161 thousand volt line caused outages for about 4,000 customers from Christina Lake to Carmi, including Rock Creek, Midway and Grand Forks.

FortisBC is working with WorkSafeBC and the company involved to investigate the situation and remind those working in proximity to transmission lines to have appropriate training, certification and should contact FortisBC before work begins.

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Many residents in the South Okanagan found themselves without power for several hours last night starting around 10 p.m. and into early Thursday morning.

FortisBC said a transmission line was damaged by a fallen tree causing the widespread outage.