Helicopter Clips Power Lines Near Calistoga; Triggers Fire, Huge Outage
CALISTOGA (CBS SF) -- An inspection helicopter clipped high-intensity power lines near Calistoga Thursday, starting two small brush fire and triggering a massive power outage that stretched from northern Napa County to southern Sonoma County, officials said.
The Bell 206-L4 helicopter was forced to make a precautionary emergency landing and none of the three passengers aboard suffered any injuries.
Two small blazes erupted below the towers but was quickly extinguished by local firefighters. The helicopter was registered to a Redding company and was inspecting power lines.
The fires burned a half-acre and 1 acre, Cal Fire spokesman Will Powers said.
The area is near Tubbs Lane where the Tubbs Fire started on Oct. 8, 2017, and spread rapidly to Sonoma County.
Pacific Gas & Electric said 3,841 customers were without power including the towns of Calistoga, Kellogg and Woodleaf.
Crews estimated power would be restored by 4:15 p.m. The FAA said it would investigate the incident.
