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Grid infrastructureUnited StatesEIR-0998

Transformer explosion triggers small fires near Palo Alto golf course

July 2019Published 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
From the recordRoot cause hiddenFailed part hidden
Where
between a baseball field and the Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course in Palo Alto
What
electrical transformer exploded and started small fires
Response
Menlo Park Fire Protection District responded to small fires
Cause
Under investigation
Outcome
Power disrupted to 350 East Palo Alto residents; no structures damaged

What happened

On 8 July 2019, an electrical transformer between a baseball field and the Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course in Palo Alto exploded. Fire officials said this started a fire on the utility pole and along a path near a creek, and that five small fires broke out in Palo Alto and East Palo Alto. At about the same time, the Menlo Park Fire Protection District responded to three small fires near the Gardens neighbourhood and along the creek, on the other side of the creek from the transformer.

Officials said the fires were small and that no structures were damaged. Power to some 350 East Palo Alto residents was disrupted. Apps had shown an aeroplane crash at the golf course; officials said there was no crash. The cause of the explosion was still under investigation the following day.

Contributing factors

The cause had not been reported. Officials said the investigation was still open.

Lessons learned

  1. A failed pole-mounted transformer can ignite fires on the pole and on vegetation across a creek, so operators should clear vegetation and check pole insulation near watercourses.
  2. Public apps may report false events such as an aeroplane crash, so operators should wait for confirmed reports before acting.

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

Not yet known

  • Cause of the transformer explosion
  • Transformer model and age
  • Duration of power disruption
  • Cost of repairs and lost supply

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

Source

padailypost.com

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

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Substation and transformer fires: the counts, the latest entries and a free alert for the next one. Also: transformer explosions.

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