Fire Crews Issue Warning After Dozens of Reports Wires Down Across The Hunter

BY IAN CROUCH

The welcome rain overnight across many parts of the Hunter has prompted a warning from the Fire Brigade.

Newcastle Fire Command says they've received dozens of calls to reports of overhead wires attached to homes arcing.

They say the lack of rain due to the drought can cause the insulation to perish and crack, exposing live wires to rain, causing them to break and fall.

NSW Fire and Rescue is urging residents to stay at least 10 metres away from fallen power lines, saying people can be electrocuted through the ground by close proximity to live wires.

Ausgrid is attending to more than 50 calls to arcing power lines.

Cracked insulation is causing power lines to arc in wet weather

UPDATE! Thousands Of Homes Without Power In Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Due To Arcing Power Lines

BY IAN CROUCH

Overnight rain has played havoc with the electricity grid across parts of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

Newcastle Fire Command says they've been called to dozens of reports of wires arcing across the region.

It's believed the rain has combined with recent dust from bushfires to cause wires to arc.

Around 3,400 homes and businesses are without power at Warabrook, Sandgate, Mayfield, Mayfield West, Adamstown, Broadmeadow, New Lambton and Redhead.

Ausgrid hopes to have power restored by 10.30am.