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Grid infrastructureUnited StatesEIR-0712

Transformer failure causes fire at AEP Ohio substation

Oct 2018Published 14 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor

SignificantThermal / fire
Estimated damageEstimated by the register's adjusterHow? Know the real figure?
Figure hidden: shown to subscribersMedium confidence
supply cut for about •• daysShown in the record →Full estimate
From the recordRoot cause hiddenFailed part hidden
Where
AEP Ohio substation, 3800 block of Bixby Road, Groveport, Ohio
Operator
AEP Ohio
What
Transformer failed and sparked large fire
Cause
Not immediately known
Response
Firefighters let fire burn; utility workers remained on site

Companies named in the reporting of this entry (being named is not a finding of fault): AEP Ohio

What happened

A large fire burned at an AEP Ohio substation after a transformer failed. The fire began around 8:30 pm on the previous night in the 3800 block of Bixby Road. Customers were not affected. Firefighters responded but decided to let the fire burn because up to 30,000 gallons of underground oil was fuelling the flames. Attempts to extinguish it with water risked spreading the oil and creating further problems. The cause of the transformer failure was not immediately known. AEP Ohio workers remained at the substation. It was not clear how long the fire would continue, though a similar incident several years earlier lasted a few days.

Contributing factors

Transformer failure, with the precise cause not reported.

Lessons learned

  1. Assess risks of oil-filled equipment fires before deciding on suppression tactics.
  2. Plan for extended burn times when large volumes of insulating oil are involved.
  3. Maintain on-site presence by the operator until the incident is resolved.

More lessons on fire suppression and firefighting, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

  • Cause of the transformer failure
  • Duration of the fire
  • Cost of the damage and repairs

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

Source

abc6onyourside.com

Published 2026-09-14. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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