Tree-trimmer causes Comcast service problems in Vancouver

A tree trimmer in Southwest Washington reportedly sawed through some cables and cut off internet and phone services to several houses and businesses Tuesday.

Comcast spokesman Marc Farrar wrote in an email that the damage was done around 10:30 a.m., affecting “a few neighborhoods” and cutting power “only to a small group of customers within the area.”

“We have crews currently working to isolate the damage to our system … and quickly make repairs to restore services as soon as possible,” Farrar said.

The saw damaged thin fibers within the cable and cut a combination of internet, telephone and cable television access for about 1,000 customers, Farrar said.

Power was restored to most customers by about 4:30 p.m. The company behind the outage was not identified.

“We’ve identified the tree trimming contractor who we believe caused the damage and will be contacting them,” Farrar said.

The Columbian was among the customers affected. Phone service to the newspaper office was out, and www.columbian.com has been sporadically affected. If you need help with delivery,  email circulation@columbian.com or go to our Contact page online for other departmental email information.