Transformer fire at Pepco substation prompts evacuation in Washington DC

What happened

A large transformer caught fire at Pepco's Benning Service Center substation in Northeast Washington DC on a Wednesday afternoon in September 2025. DC Fire and EMS responded to reports of the fire and deployed foam and hazmat units to help extinguish the flames. Buildings adjacent to the transformer were evacuated as a precaution. Officials reported no injuries. Power to the affected equipment was partially isolated by crews before a water supply was established and firefighters began an active fire attack.

Pepco stated that its teams were on site working with emergency personnel, and warned that emergent power outages could occur in the surrounding area as a result of the incident, though none had occurred at the time of reporting. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Contributing factors

Not reported. The cause of the fire was stated to be under investigation at the time of reporting.

Lessons learned

1. Substation transformer fires can need foam and hazmat units from fire services, so utilities should keep pre-planned response agreements with local crews.
2. Adjacent buildings must be evacuated as a precaution during a transformer fire until risks are fully known.
3. Utilities need clear public messages on possible outages during equipment fires to manage local expectations.

More lessons on fire suppression and firefighting, spacing, layout and fire spread, emergency response and public communication, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

• Transformer model and age
• Duration of any power outages
• Cost of damage and repairs
• Full cause of the fire

This entry is updated when these are reported. Get an alert for the next one like it.

Source

dcnewsnow.com