Firefighters from the Merion Fire Company of Ardmore responded to a tree on fire behind a Wynnewood home Wednesday, Oct. 7, after it came into contact with live electrical wires.
Crews arrived at 267 Kent Road around 7:40 p.m. and found the tree smoldering while still touching energized power lines, according to an incident report by Graham Fuller published by the fire company on Friday, Oct. 9.
Station 25 firefighters secured the area around the tree and called PECO, the region's electric utility, to disconnect power to the affected lines. Firefighters could not safely approach the tree until the utility confirmed the lines were de-energized.
Once PECO crews arrived and shut off power, Station 25 personnel extinguished the smoldering tree and cleared the hazard. The fire company's report did not indicate whether any neighboring properties lost power during the response or how long the incident lasted.
The call marked another utility-related emergency for the fire company in 2026. On Friday, July 17, Station 25 responded to a struck gas line at Suburban Square, where firefighters evacuated three stores, shut down the street, controlled the leak and ventilated underground before PECO took over the scene.
In its Oct. 9 report, the fire company urged residents to stay away from trees or branches touching power lines, even if no flames are visible. The company said trees and branches in contact with energized lines can pose a serious danger that is not always obvious. Residents who spot such a hazard should not attempt to move or extinguish the vegetation themselves.
The incident occurred behind the Kent Road residence. No injuries were reported in the fire company's account, and no further investigation or follow-up was mentioned.
Residents who see downed wires or trees in contact with power lines should stay clear and call 911.
