Lack of maintenance of power lines as a cause of forest fires and power outages
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Abstract
This article analyzes Physical Asset Management, specifically the relationship between the lack of maintenance of power lines and the occurrence of forest fires (FF). Forest fires represent a growing threat in regions with dense vegetation and dry climates. In Portugal, events such as the Pedrógão Grande fire (2017) and in other parts of the globe have demonstrated the vulnerability of poorly maintained electrical infrastructure.
Through the analysis of line maintenance, operational and historical data, the study highlights how negligence in the management of vegetation under high-voltage lines can be a determining factor in power supply failures and the ignition of fires, especially in adverse atmospheric conditions. The article also compares the Portuguese case with practices and incidents in the United States and Australia, proposing recommendations and the use of maintenance and asset management tools that can help in the prevention and mitigation of fires.
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