BGE: Utility Pole by Elkridge Corners 'Not Compromised'

A utility pole that caught fire near a major intersection in Elkridge this week is structurally sound, according to BGE.

“The integrity of the pole was not compromised,” said Rachael Lighty, spokeswoman for BGE, in an email to Elkridge Patch. 

Fire rose from the grass and ascended a utility line "like a firework," according to a witness, knocking out services near the pole on the 7200 block of Montgomery Rd.

was closed and without power Monday.  and  lost telephone and Internet services due to the fire as well, according to email notifications from the schools; those services were restored by Wednesday morning.

Elkridge Patch readers said they were concerned a new pole had not been installed.

“BGE stated they will not be replacing the pole—until it falls down on its own,” wrote CCasey on the . “Does it have to kill people in cars before they replace it???? The pole is obviously damaged to a dangerous point."

BGE said the replacement was not necessary at this time.

"It is still safe, which is the reason it was not replaced," said Lighty.

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