Transformer fire at Hawaii utility substation cuts power to thousands
EIR-1023A fire broke out at a Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) substation on Kalele Road near the University of Hawaii at Manoa's lower campus, adjacent to Les Murakami Stadium. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion before thick black smoke, visible for miles, rose from the site. The Honolulu Fire Department responded with eight units and 31 personnel and, working with HECO crews, determined the affected transformer held up to 3,000 gallons of oil. Firefighters obtained class-B foam from state Department of Transportation aircraft rescue firefighting units and used it to help the fire burn itself out, containing the blaze to one of two side-by-side transformers and preventing it spreading to nearby structures. More than 3,300 customers across several Honolulu neighbourhoods lost power. Supply was restored to most areas within about two hours, though parts of the university campus, including student housing, remained without power overnight. No injuries were reported.
A loud explosion was reported by witnesses immediately before the fire, but the cause of the explosion or fire was not stated in the source.
- Substations located near densely populated areas such as university campuses require rapid, coordinated response between utility crews and fire services.
- Specialist suppression agents such as class-B foam, sourced from other agencies if needed, can be critical for oil-filled transformer fires.
- Segregation between adjacent transformers and structures at open-air substations can limit fire spread and protect wider infrastructure.
- Contingency plans for extended local outages, such as temporary lighting and alternative dining or shelter arrangements, help affected communities during prolonged restoration.
Published 2026-09-17. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.