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Grid infrastructureUnited StatesEIR-0958

Transformer fire on utility pole during heat wave in Boulder City

2020Published 17 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor

MinorElectricalProvisional
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
Where
alley between Avenues I and K in Boulder City, Nevada
Operator
Boulder City Utilities Department
What
pole-mounted transformer fire
Injuries
None reported
Response
fire, police and utilities departments responded

What happened

A transformer on a utility pole caught fire in an alley between Avenues I and K in Boulder City during unseasonably hot weather at the end of May and early June. The Boulder City Fire, Police and city utilities departments responded. Power to seven homes was interrupted but restored after a few hours. No injuries or surrounding damage occurred.

Contributing factors

High residential electricity demand during a heat wave may have contributed to overload. Older transmission lines are more susceptible to failure or fire under such conditions.

Lessons learned

  1. Schedule use of high-load appliances such as dryers and dishwashers for night-time during heat waves to lower stress on the grid.
  2. Maintain older transmission equipment to reduce failure risk under peak demand.
  3. Coordinated emergency response limits disruption to residents.

More lessons on emergency response and public communication, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

  • Cause of the fire
  • Transformer model and age
  • Cost of repairs and lost supply

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

Source

bouldercityreview.com

Other entries that name Boulder

Published 2026-09-17. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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