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PNM says to be cautious of balloon-power line strikes
Published
Modified
Every year, thousands of Public Service Company of New Mexico customers are left without power because a driver gazing at balloons crashes into a power pole.
PNM on Wednesday gave its annual safety demonstration leading up to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which is Oct. 5-13. The utility showed what it looks like when a balloon crashes into a power line and the effect of a power pole crashing onto a car. PNM also gave an electricity demonstration.
Andrew Cusimano, an operations manager at PNM, said that people are advised not to touch hot air balloons that come into contact with a power line.
“While we hope for an incident-free Balloon Fiesta, it’s important that everyone is prepared for the event in case of an incident,” Cusimano said.
He said 500 balloons can launch each day of the fiesta.
Cusimano said PNM will de-energize power lines near Balloon Fiesta Park. The company will have representatives at the park to attend pilots briefings each morning. There are other PNM employees outside the park who are ready to respond in case a balloon hits a power line.
“Touching a balloon wrapped in power lines, even for just a few milliseconds, could cause a chain reaction that injures both those attempting to provide help as well as anyone in the balloon’s gondola,” he said.
PNM said people shouldn’t spray water on power lines near a fire. If someone sees a balloon crash into a power line, the person should call 911 and PNM.
PNM crews have specific tools and insulated vehicles to respond to power line crashes.
“Once the scene has been made safe, first responders can provide rescue and first aid, if required, to balloon occupants,” Cusimano said.
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Every year, thousands of outages are caused when vehicles crash into power poles.
Ray Bair, a balloon pilot and member of the Balloon Fiesta’s board of directors, said that most cases where a balloon hits a power line happen when the balloon is trying to land.
Pilots and passengers are advised to stay in the basket if the balloon strikes a power line.
“Frequently, when power line strikes occur, it’s because the pilot didn’t see the line,” Bair said.
