Transformer fires in south Everett cause a brief power outage
Sept 2020Published 20 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor
- Where
- Scenic and Grant Drive, next to a PUD substation in south Everett, Washington
- What
- Two transformers caught fire, plus grass fire and downed lines
- Response
- Everett Fire crews dealt with grass fire, PUD crews put out transformers
- Outcome
- 39 customers still without power as of 4.15 pm
- Cause
- Not reported
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What happened
On 3 September 2020, two transformers caught fire in the area of Scenic and Grant Drive, next to a PUD substation in south Everett, Washington. A grass fire was also reported just north of Scenic Drive on Beverly Boulevard, and downed lines were reported to have burned grass at a house at Scenic and Grant. Everett Fire crews dealt with the grass fire and residual hot spots. PUD crews rerouted power and put out the transformers. As of 4.15 pm, 39 customers were still without power. The cause was not reported.
Contributing factors
Not reported. A PUD representative said crews were looking into what caused the equipment to fail.
Lessons learned
- Distribution transformers can fail and ignite nearby vegetation, so operators must keep vegetation clearance and rapid isolation in place.
- Downed lines can start a separate grass fire, so fire crews and utility crews need a clear split of roles.
- Outage figures should be updated as power is rerouted, because early customer counts can fall quickly.
More lessons on electrical protection and isolation, fire suppression and firefighting, outages, backup supply and restoration, from every incident on the register.
Not yet known
- Cause of the transformer failure
- Model and age of the transformers
- Duration of the power outage
- Cost of repairs and lost supply
This entry is updated when these are reported. Get an alert for the next one like it.
Source
Published 2026-09-20. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.
