Transformer fire causes damage at National Grid substation in Buffalo

A transformer caught fire at a National Grid substation on Elm Street in Buffalo, New York, near Michigan Avenue and East Eagle Street. The fire started around 6:45pm and produced a plume of black smoke visible across the city. Fire crews responded and were able to keep the fire contained, monitoring it until it burned itself out rather than actively extinguishing it. The incident did not lead to any major power outages and no one was injured. The fire caused an estimated 25,000 US dollars in damage. Fire investigators were looking into the cause of the transformer fire following the incident.

Not reported.

1. Substation transformer fires can produce visible smoke plumes that alarm the public even when the incident is contained and causes limited damage.
2. Allowing a contained transformer fire to burn out under monitoring, rather than immediate suppression, can be a valid fire service strategy for electrical equipment fires.
3. Effective substation design and isolation can prevent a single transformer fire from causing major power outages to surrounding areas.

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