A Wantagh woman shocked to find downed wires on her property on a relatively calm day says the wires created a dangerous situation and damaged her property.

Suzanne Marciano says a fire broke out in her backyard in September after rusty clamps on PSEG poles snapped. A downed wire sparked the flames that she says caused damage totaling nearly $12,000. She filed a claim with PSEG for that amount to be reimbursed for repairs.

PSEG denied the claim, telling her in a letter that its investigation concluded the wire-line clamp failed from causes beyond its control.

Lawrence Melilli lives in the house directly behind Marciano's. The fire destroyed most of his PVC fence, ornamental trees and shed, causing damage valued at just under $15,000. He says the damage was extensive because PSEG didn't shut off the power for more than an hour to allow firefighters to put out the flames.

Melilli also filed a claim with PSEG, but has not yet heard back.

A spokesman says PSEG is bound by LIPA's tariff for electric service, which states the damage is the customer's responsibility. But Marciano and Melilli say they plan to file a lawsuit against the utility.