Pole top fires
Pole top fires
Pole top fires can occur in any area where dust and pollution accumulate on insulators, but WA’s combination of dry conditions, coastal salt and sea breezes, and agricultural activity makes them more common.
Steel and concrete poles require complex and expensive earthing systems, which makes them less viable across large areas of WA. Wood poles remain the most efficient option for local conditions.
While maintenance programs significantly reduce risk, pole top fires cannot be entirely eliminated due to environmental conditions. The focus is on minimising impact through strategic prevention and response.
Regions most prone to pole top fires include:
- Coastal areas (salt accumulation)
- Farming regions (agricultural dust)
- Bushfire-prone zones (high-risk fire areas)