RHINELANDER, Wis. (WJFW) – A fire can start many ways, and one of those dangers is a tree falling on a power line. However, one Wisconsin company is using a unique tool to keep its power lines clear. Here in the Northwoods, we are surrounded by trees, and that poses a danger to our high-voltage power lines. American Transmission Company, or ATC, is helping maintain those power lines. A helicopter and heavy-duty air saw are being used to trim trees along a power line in Oneida and Forest counties. Cody Lau is ATC’s corporate spokeswoman. She said ATC operates the power grid in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.

“We deliver energy. Think of it like a highway. We have a high voltage that runs throughout the state and then it’s stepped down to a lower voltage for the local power companies,” Lau said. Not only do they run the grid, but they also protect their high voltage lines by trimming trees and tall vegetation near the power lines.

“We do this because trees and electricity don’t mix, especially at this high voltage. If a tree gets too close, it can cause a fire or a power outage,” Lau said. While it’s common for ground crew to trim the trees, Lau said they use air crew in a helicopter with a hanging sawblade.

“It’s much faster, much more economical and safer. We’re working with a company we’ve been working with for years, and we’re just cutting along the side of the road,” Lau said. Although it seems unusual for a helicopter to cut vegetation, Laus said it is used in certain situations.

“Especially in rural areas with a lot of trees or in areas that are difficult to access. We have deployed them in the national forest in UP and the rocky terrain there is a great place to deploy them,” Lau said. ACT takes its safety very seriously and therefore asks anyone who wants to view the project to keep their distance.

“And we know it’s interesting, so we ask people to stay at least 100 meters away from the helicopter and the saw and the ground crew for their own safety and the safety of our crew,” Lau said.