Transformer explosion sparks fire and reignition at Texas City substation

A transformer at a CenterPoint Energy substation near FM517 and Highway 146 in Texas City exploded at about 5.26pm on 8 May 2018, igniting a mineral oil fire. No injuries were reported and all personnel were accounted for. Texas City officials said some facilities in a nearby industrial complex experienced power outages and advised that larger than normal flares might be seen as plants worked to restore power. Officials said the situation was under control that evening, with the oil fire still burning and Highway 146 open. Early the following morning the fire reignited, which CenterPoint attributed to residual heat in the equipment, and first responders returned to the site. CenterPoint said no customers were experiencing outages from the reignition and that the cause of the original explosion remained under investigation.

CenterPoint said the reignition could be expected from time to time over the following day or so because of the extreme heat retained in the equipment from the previous day's fire. The cause of the initial transformer explosion was not reported and remained under investigation.

1. Transformer fires involving mineral oil can retain enough heat to reignite hours or even days later, so sites need extended monitoring after the initial fire appears out.
2. Clear and timely public communication from the utility and local authorities can prevent unnecessary alarm when substation fires produce visible smoke or nearby industrial flaring.
3. Coordination between utility crews and fire services should continue beyond the initial suppression phase to manage reignition risk safely.

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