Suspected arson fire destroys Cambuslang substation, cutting power to 2,500 homes

A fire broke out at an electricity substation on Burns Terrace in Cambuslang, South Lanarkshire, at about 18:30 on a Monday evening in July 2019. Scottish Power said it believed vandals deliberately set the electrical unit ablaze, and the fire is thought to have been started using flammable material inside a wheelie bin. The fire engulfed the substation, which was completely destroyed, and about 2,500 homes and businesses lost power for a number of hours. Damage was put at £50,000. The substation is in a residential area close to a number of homes. Fire crews attended. Scottish Power described the act as extremely dangerous given its proximity to homes and the possibility that children could have been playing nearby. Police said they were making inquiries to establish the cause, and the operator offered a £5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Scottish Power believes the fire was set deliberately, with flammable material inside a wheelie bin reported as the ignition source. Police inquiries into the cause were continuing at the time of reporting, so the cause is not formally confirmed.

1. Substations in or near residential areas may need enhanced physical security, such as controlled access, fencing and the removal of nearby combustible materials including waste bins, to reduce arson risk.
2. Loss of a single distribution substation can cut supply to thousands of customers for hours, so operators should hold rapid customer communication and restoration plans.
3. Working with police, and reward schemes for information, can support investigation and deterrence of deliberate attacks on network assets.

bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-48923579