Wildfire fells powerline on car, traps occupants

Two people driving along California highway 101 near Mountain View on Tuesday were trapped in their car for more than two hours when a wildland fire burned through a tree which fell into a powerline, causing the line to fall onto their car. The powerline got hung up on the luggage rack, making it impossible for them to move the car.

They wisely stayed in their older-model Toyota station wagon, knowing that they risked electrocution if they ventured outside. The highway was closed in both directions for two hours, causing traffic to back up for at least two miles.