Transformer vault fire at PSEG Long Island substation in Bridgehampton

A fire broke out in a transformer vault at a PSEG Long Island substation at 1235 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike in Bridgehampton, New York, at about 10.50am on a Friday morning in January 2020. Heavy black smoke poured from the substation. Firefighters had to wait for the transformer to be de-energised before they could approach, as it remained live. It took at least 15 minutes for the power to be shut off, after which firefighters extinguished the flames quickly. The turnpike was closed during the response. PSEG Long Island said no customers were affected and no injuries were reported. The company said it was investigating the cause.

The transformer remained energised after the fire started, delaying firefighting until the utility could confirm the equipment had been shut down. The cause was under investigation at the time of reporting.

1. Clear protocols and rapid communication between utility staff and fire services are essential so that de-energisation can be confirmed quickly.
2. Delays in de-energising equipment can extend fire duration and risk to responders, which supports the case for remote or automated isolation capability.
3. Substation layouts that allow rapid isolation of an individual transformer vault help limit fire spread and speed up emergency response.

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