PSE&G transformer catches fire and falls in Bayonne, New Jersey

What happened

A utility transformer owned and operated by PSE&G failed and caught fire on Avenue C in Bayonne, New Jersey, at around 11:45am. The burning transformer fell from its position and landed on two parked cars, which then caught fire. No injuries were reported, though a child had been taken out of one of the vehicles shortly before it ignited. A third vehicle parked nearby was not caught in the fire.

Bayonne fire department units, Engine 2 and Ladder Tower 2, responded along with utility PSE&G, and firefighters used foam to extinguish the vehicle fires. Approximately 53 customers lost power. PSE&G began repair work on the lines immediately afterwards to restore supply. The cause of the transformer failure was under investigation at the time of reporting.

Contributing factors

The technical cause of the transformer failure was not reported and was stated to be under investigation.

Lessons learned

1. A pole-mounted distribution transformer fire can spread to parked cars below, so operators should inspect mounting integrity and consider debris shields above vehicle areas.
2. Fire crews need foam for vehicle fires started by electrical equipment, so joint training with the network operator should cover electrical transformer incidents.

More lessons on spacing, layout and fire spread, worker safety and safe systems of work, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

• Transformer model and age
• Exact technical cause of failure
• Duration of power outage
• Cost of repairs and damage

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

Source

abc7ny.com