Transformer fire at Jeffersontown substation cuts power to thousands
EIR-0691Provisional entry. Confirmed: a fire involving a damaged transformer at a Jeffersontown substation cut power to nearly 5,000 LG&E customers on 17 May 2019. Not yet known: the outage duration, any injuries, and the extent of equipment damage. Next update: 16 September 2026.
A fire broke out at an electrical substation in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, in an area near Taylorsville and Ramblin Creek roads, at around 5pm on Friday 17 May 2019. The fire was reported to have been caused by a damaged transformer. The blaze knocked out power to nearly 5,000 customers of the utility LG&E. Taylorsville Road was closed for a short time near Blankenbaker Lane while crews investigated the scene. LG&E officials estimated power would be restored around 12:30pm, though the source does not state which day. Injuries and damage extent are not reported.
A damaged transformer was reported as the cause of the fire. No further investigation findings are reported.
- Transformer condition monitoring and maintenance programmes can help identify degrading equipment before it fails and ignites.
- Clear public communication protocols help utilities give timely and accurate restoration estimates during outages.
- Coordination with local emergency services on road closures near substation fires helps protect the public during incident response.
Published 2026-09-14. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.