Utility Pole Wildfire Protection
Save-A-Pole™
A Permanent Solution for Minimizing Long-Term Power Outages Caused by Wildfires.
What Are Save-A-Pole (SAP) Units
A Better Way to Prevent Power Outages
Wildfire Protection for the Life of Utility Poles.
Developed to be easy and affordable to install in all terrains, and a permanent solution to minimize power outages caused by downed utility poles from wildfires.
SAP Units only need to be installed once with an estimated life span of 20+ years and with little to no environmental impact.
Developed by Wildland Firefighters
Designed by Firefighters to Withstand Multiple Wildfires.
The wildland firefighters who created the SAP units know firsthand the risks of serious injury to anyone working near damaged utility poles caused by wildfires and that many power outages could be prevented if utility poles could survive the extreme environment created by wildfires.
Tested and Proven to Work
Tested by Oregon State University College of Forestry and Proven to Work.
Oregon State University Utility Pole Research Cooperative conducted rigorous mock wildfire tests on the Save-A-Pole™ and it exceeded all expectations and proved to be extremely effective in protecting against multiple wildfires without needing to be replaced.
How SAP Units Work
- Under dry conditions with grass and brush fuel and light to moderate wind, wildfires can cause flame lengths to reach or exceed 20 feet with temperatures reaching around 1600° F with most of the heat being generated at the base of the flames near the fuel.
- This system works by introducing a steel barrier with a melting point of 2600-2800° F between the fuel bed and the utility pole.
[Note that wrapping the metal directly to the pole would trap moisture and promote decay of the pole.]
- The patent-pending SAP units are designed to provide an air gap between the outer shield and the wood structure contained inside. This air gap not only prevents trapped moisture but also provides insulation from the intense heat generated by the fire.
- The storm shield cap prevents combustible debris from entering the air gap so it maintains its protective shield for the life of the utility pole.
SAP units provide a protective steel barrier designed to withstand multiple wildfires.
The Air-Gap is necessary to prevent trapped moisture and provide insulation from intense heat.
Storm Collar Cap keeps debris out of the protected Air-Gap.
Tested and Proven
The Save-A-Pole has been thoroughly tested by Fire Whirl, LLC and by the Oregon State University Department of Wood Science & Engineering under the direction of J.J. Morrell. Pictured below is a test performed by BLM firefighters in Idaho.
What Others Are Saying About SAP Units
“We chose the SAP units to protect our most vulnerable utility poles because of their ability to protect for the life of the pole and survive multiple fires.”
Mike Martinez
Manager of Operations
Navopache Electric Co-Op
“Our tests indicate that the steel barrier system effectively protected the poles from ignition, even with prolonged heat application and repeated burns.”
Jeff Morell
Professor
Utility Pole Research Cooperative
College of Forestry
Oregon State University
Currently In 3 States
News and Announcements
Save-A-Pole was recently featured in HANDLINE MAGAZINE – a publication by Northwest Lineman College
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions we get about SAP Units. For more answers to your questions contact Nathan Budd at 208-484-1282, or email Contact@SaveAPole.com.
Are they difficult to install?
SAP units are purposely designed to be easy to install and most often takes 10 minutes to install them correctly. They can also be quickly removed in the event a pole needed to be climbed for maintenance.
Will you install the SAP units or do we need to do it?
We can do the install and are happy to provide a bid for that. We can also provide training to your staff if you prefer to have your crew install them during their routine pole inspections. SAP units could also be installed during an emergency on poles that are adjacent to an active fire.
How long will it take to get the units?
Delivery times depend on order size, however, the average is between 30-60 days.
How much do SAP units cost?
Cost per unit range between $267 – $385.
Our Story
Developed by Wildland Firefighters
Nathan Budd - Wildland Firefighter /EMT
I have fought fire for over ten years and continue fighting wildland fires throughout the western states as an Incident Commander. On several occasions during fire suppression efforts, I have noticed the safety concerns associated with burned and down utility poles. On large fires, resources can be miles away from a utility pole that has caught fire. The efforts of the resources on scene must remain focused on stopping the progression of the fire. Power company employees are usually prevented from entering the area until the incident commander feels it is safe for them to enter. A key observation that I have made, is that most of the utility poles catch fire right at or very near the base of the pole; which is what set me on the path to develop the SAP Units.
President
Nathan Budd
1 (208) 484-1282