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Grid infrastructureUnited StatesEIR-1124

Transformer fire breaks out at Thetford substation, Genesee Township, Michigan

Nov 2018Published 20 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor

SignificantThermal / fire
Estimated damageEstimated by the register's adjusterHow? Know the real figure?
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supply cut for about •• daysShown in the record →Full estimate
From the recordRoot cause hiddenFailed part hidden
Where
Thetford substation, Genesee Township, Michigan
Owner
ITC Holdings
What
Thetford 345/138kV transformer fire
Injuries
None reported
Response
Multiple fire departments called to the scene

Companies named in the reporting of this entry (being named is not a finding of fault): Consumers Energy, ITC Holdings

What happened

On the morning of 1 November 2018, a fire broke out at a substation in the 10000 block of Genesee Road, Genesee Township, Michigan. A Consumers Energy spokesperson said the substation is owned by ITC Holdings. ITC Holdings confirmed that the Thetford 345/138kV transformer was on fire, that personnel were in the station at the time but no injuries were reported, and that emergency response plans had been activated. Multiple fire departments were called to the scene to investigate and respond. The source of the fire was under investigation at the time of reporting.

Contributing factors

Not reported.

Lessons learned

  1. A high voltage transformer fire at a substation needs response from multiple fire departments, so owners should agree joint plans in advance.
  2. Personnel may be present when a transformer fire starts for unknown reasons, so owners must activate emergency plans at once.

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

Not yet known

  • Transformer model and age
  • Length of substation outage
  • Cost of damage and repairs

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

Source

midmichigannow.com

Published 2026-09-20. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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