A tree branch fell onto energized electrical wires at the intersection of Mill Creek and Old Gulph Roads in Ardmore on Wednesday, Aug. 5, catching fire and bringing three Merion Fire Company units to the scene.

Chief 25, Engine 25 and Engine 25-1 from Station 25 arrived at 1:22 p.m. and secured the area to keep the public away from the live wires and falling debris while waiting for PECO crews, according to a Merion Fire Company alert written by Graham Fuller.

Firefighters soaked the ground beneath the wires as a precaution to ensure the fire had not spread to surrounding vegetation.

Safety reminder

The fire company used the incident to remind residents that electrical emergencies can be extremely dangerous. Its guidance: stay well away from downed wires, sparking equipment or burning vegetation near power lines, call 911 immediately and always assume lines are energized until the utility company confirms otherwise.

The wire fire is the latest in a string of electrical and storm-related calls for Lower Merion fire crews this summer. Merion Fire Company responded to a transformer fire on Booth Lane in Haverford on July 31 and a dryer malfunction on Penn Road in Ardmore on July 19.

Coming up

Sunday, Aug. 9: The 10th annual Ardmore Rock N' Ride, a free bike race and music festival benefiting Narberth Ambulance, runs 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Suburban Square. The event hosts the Pennsylvania State Criterium Championship Finals, with live music starting at noon. "We're grateful to celebrate 10 years of Ardmore Rock N' Ride," Jeanine DiTomasso, Narberth Ambulance philanthropy director, said in a July 20 Patch announcement. "It's our way of connecting with our community and having fun while also spreading awareness about our life-saving mission."

Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 16: Road closures near Merion Golf Club in Haverford Township, just across the Lower Merion border, will affect Ardmore Avenue, Golf House Road, Golfview Road and surrounding streets from approximately 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily during the U.S. Amateur Championship. Spectator parking will be available at Villanova University, Haverford College and The Haverford School, with shuttle service to the club.