The week a city job turned into a full-on hazard zone

Got called to a site in the old industrial part of town to clear some volunteer trees. The client said it was 'just a few poplars'. Turned out to be a dozen, all growing through and around a chain link fence that was live with old, frayed electrical wire from a broken street light. Had to get the power company out, which took three hours, and then we spent the whole next day just cutting the fence apart piece by piece to free the trunks without getting shredded. My lead climber nicked his arm pretty good on a rusty link. The whole thing felt like a trap. Ever had a simple removal turn dangerous because of something the client didn't mention?

3 comments

3 Comments

christopherwilson1mo ago

That sounds absolutely terrifying! A live wire in a fence is a whole different level of hidden danger. Did the client ever say anything after the fact, or did they just act like it was a normal Tuesday for them? I'd be furious if someone left out that kind of detail.

skylerrobinson1mo ago

Totally get that fury, @christopherwilson. Reminds me of a buddy who rented a house where the back shed was just... full of snakes. The landlord never mentioned it. Just acted like it was part of the charm. Some people have a totally different idea of what's normal to share. My friend found out the hard way when he went for the lawnmower.

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king.aaron1mo ago

Oh sure, just a few poplars, nothing to see here! Totally normal for them to be guarding a live electrical fence.