Snake causes fire and blackout at South Carolina electricity substation

A snake entered the Cowpens substation operated by Broad River Electric Cooperative in Upstate South Carolina and came into contact with high-voltage electrical equipment. According to the cooperative, this caused a flash that started a fire in the substation's zone B controls, destroying them. The cooperative posted photographs showing the electrocuted snake and the damaged equipment. About 680 people lost power, according to a local broadcaster cited in the report. The cooperative suggested the snake had most likely entered the substation while hunting for bird nests and eggs, and may also have been seeking warmth. No injuries were reported.

A snake gained access to high-voltage equipment inside the substation, most likely while searching for bird nests or seeking warmth, leading to an electrical flash and a fire in the control equipment. No further investigation findings were reported.

1. Substations and similar electrical infrastructure should be assessed for vulnerability to wildlife intrusion, including gaps that allow snakes and other animals to reach energised equipment.
2. Physical barriers, mesh and animal deterrent measures around control cabinets and high-voltage equipment can reduce the risk of wildlife-caused faults and consequent outages.
3. Removing bird nests and other wildlife attractants from substation structures reduces the reason for animals to enter in the first place.

thestate.com/news/state/south-carolina/article243199396.html